OTW by Vans: Where skateboarding, music and art merge in Paris
An iconic location, a boundary-pushing idea, and a collaboration where creativity and culture came together. For the Checkered Future event by OTW by Vans, we worked with California Skateparks to transform the hills of Montmartre into a skate paradise under the shadow of the Sacré-Cœur. Here, skateboarding, music and art united in a unique setting that brought the raw energy of the streets to life.
Skate culture meets history: an iconic installation in Montmartre
For OTW by Vans, we collaborated with California Skateparks on a project that went beyond the everyday. The goal: a skate installation that was not only functional but also a visual and cultural statement. The location, the historic Montmartre, with the Sacré-Cœur as a backdrop, called for a design that embraced both the energy of skateboarding and the grandeur of its surroundings.
The result was a unique skate bowl, designed by PLAYLAB, INC., a structure that served as a stage for world-famous Vans Skate Team athletes and as a work of art in its own right. Every detail celebrated the raw, creative power of skate culture, with Vans’ iconic checkerboard pattern tying it all together.
A challenging build on an iconic site
From the first sketches to the final on-site construction, the process demanded intensive collaboration, precise planning and flawless execution. We had to consider not only the unique setting, but also the ambition to deliver an authentic skate experience that captured the spirit of Paris and the essence of skate culture. The result: a bold, impressive skate bowl that filled the space while respecting the history and atmosphere of Montmartre.
Building on such an iconic hillside location brought plenty of challenges. Steep slopes and limited space required precision and innovation at every step. By combining the expertise of California Skateparks with Nine Yards and the creative vision of PLAYLAB, INC., we delivered a technical masterpiece that fit seamlessly into the Paris of today.
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