Barcelona's coastline unveils this Saturday a pilot area for skating and walking on the Garcia Fària promenade, resulting from a collaboration between the City Council, the company Escofet, and the association SNT4EVER.
The Garcia Fària promenade, in the Sant Martí district, hosts from this Saturday a space that is not a conventional skatepark. It is the Espai Provisional Skate Garcia-Fària, a pilot project that integrates skateable furniture into the pedestrian promenade, with views of the sea. The initiative is part of the World Capital of Architecture 2026 and has been designed by the Agenda Urbana studio, the historic manufacturer Escofet, and the SNT4EVER association.
A design that does not segregate
Unlike conventional skateparks, this space does not separate skaters from other pedestrians. The urban furniture —14 pieces from Escofet's 'skateable' collection— has been installed at number 22 of the promenade, allowing both skaters and pedestrians to share the same environment. Among the elements are six 'Bancalosa' benches of 40 centimeters, two of 20 centimeters, three wavy 'Wave' seats, two 'So-ffa' and one 'Flor'. All pieces have been selected to integrate into the landscape while also serving as obstacles for skateboarding practice.
“Barcelona is a world capital of skate, but other cities like Bordeaux or Malmö have been paving the way for years with inclusive skate plans,” explains Marc Lozano, president of SNT4EVER. The association, which represents the skating community of the Països Catalans square, has been working with the City Council for six years to create spaces that do not confine this activity. “Skating is an urban activity; it cannot be confined like a football match in a stadium,” Lozano argues.
From Sants to the coast
The good rapport with municipal technicians already allowed for a first pilot area in the Jardines de la Rambla de Sants a year ago. Now, the Capital of Architecture has provided the opportunity to transfer the experience to the coastline, with the collaboration of Escofet. The City Council has facilitated the location and the permits, while the association has contributed its knowledge about the needs of skaters.
The new space is conceived as a pilot experience to investigate how urban design can help create more inclusive environments. “It embodies a shared aspiration for years from the Barcelona skate community: to move towards a city that recognises skateboarding as part of urban life,” state representatives from Escofet. The initiative includes signage with coexistence rules, similar to what is already functioning in Sants.
For the residents of Barcelona, this space represents a new leisure option on the coast, where skaters and walkers can coexist. The pilot project will be active over the coming months and will serve to evaluate whether this model can be extended to other areas of the city. The inauguration party this Saturday will include activities for all ages, with skate demonstrations and guided tours of the furniture.
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