Steven Akira Shimamoto

I will be attending the Shibuya Social Innovation Hub next week on Friday.

The real task is, how to shape the software of the way in which people interact, through the hardware of architecture. The medium in which we are using are: existing public parks in the outer wards of Tokyo.

And yes, as you might know, I/we are skateboarders. But, I spent 8 years not being a skateboarder in New York. I completely forgot about it when I lived there. So the idea is to use the activity as a way to meet people within the public realm, and the goal is to broaden the spaces to open them up for a variety of community uses.

Kinuta Park - A Basketball Court and Interdisciplinary Skate Space
Tachikawa Skatepark - Renewal, and then creating potentially a new place of gathering along the urban monorail(?)
Noborito - Kawanoba, a concrete pad used for skateboarding, but only is allowed 1 obstacle

How can we make these places “Test Parks” for new types of public spaces. One where young people and old people can interact, and where different outdoor activities can overlap, creating social connection and community.