Studio Pheasant Shapes a Skatepark Built for Gathering in Dubai

When people think of skateparks, the mind usually goes to fast movement, the sound of wheels against concrete, and skaters moving through ramps and rails. In Dubai, Studio Pheasant takes that energy into a wider social setting with Gooder, a new indoor skatepark inside Alserkal Avenue that brings together skating, food, retail and community.

Built around the idea of “for skaters, by skaters”, the project expands the idea of the traditional skatepark. The ramps sit at the centre of the space, surrounded by a café, retail area, pizza spot and mezzanine lounge designed for work, meetings and events. The layout keeps everything visually connected, allowing people to move naturally between skating, eating and gathering throughout the day.

The design takes cues from the DIY culture that has long shaped skateboarding communities. Flexibility became a key part of how the space works. On the ground floor, retail displays can shift depending on events, exhibitions or changing brands. Peg walls allow shelves and skateboard displays to be easily added or removed, and floor tracks let counters and fixtures slide into different positions when needed.

“The project was always about creating a space people could shape around themselves over time,” says Talar Bardakjian, Creative Director at Studio Pheasant. “We wanted it to feel open, adaptable and connected to the community using it every day.”

Brick, concrete, timber and metal run throughout the interior, giving the space a direct and durable material palette suited to everyday use. Walnut veneer adds warmth while locally made clay brick connects the project back to regional materials and construction methods.

At the centre of Gooder sits a sculptural fountain designed as a social meeting point. The reference came from the courtyard fountains commonly found in homes in Damascus, where water often becomes part of daily life and conversation. The fountain also connects to Dubai’s skate scene through the Deira Memorial Fountain, where local skaters have gathered for years. Around it, ceramic tiles arranged in geometric patterns subtly reference Persian rugs and tie into the wider visual identity of the space.

Gooder is organised into three main areas: the retail floor, Ollie’s Pizza, and a mezzanine level used for work, meetings and events. Together, these spaces create an environment that shifts naturally throughout the day depending on how people use it.

Environmental considerations were built into the project through locally sourced materials, skylights and large openings that bring natural light deep into the building. The modular systems also allow the space to evolve gradually over time without constant renovation, reflecting the way Dubai's skating scene continues to grow.