HOMIES
By Skateboarders, for the homeless homies
Opportunity The skateboarding community has a very accepting nature. Many of the homeless homies who visit Southbank Skatepark enjoy this sense of acceptance and tend to have a prior interest in the skateboard world, making their visits no coincidence.
Objective To elevate the relationship between these two co-existing audiences to create a sense of community, acceptance, and practicality through the shared interests of the skateboard world and the homeless population.
3,975
Homeless Homies in 2010
London, UK
10,053
Homeless Homies in 2023
London, UK
70%
Report improvements in self-esteem and mental health from community programs
Investigations: Community Comprehension
With overlapping worlds since the 70s, Southbank and Waterloo became one of the main locations for observation.
A
Spectators
Objective An observational photography series highlighting the differences in spectators between the homeless and skateboard worlds.
Takeaway This series displays how society has taken away the empathic ability to give a simple hello, wave, smile or even turn a head. It also serves as a reminder to acknowledge the aspects of life that are uncomfortable.
B
Two Boards
How were you taught about homelessness?
Objective Two boards asking the same question were placed inside and outside Southbank Skatepark to compare the amount of exposure and care between the general public and skateboarders.
Takeaway Skateboarders are more naturally exposed to the issue of homelessness than most, leading to a larger connection, understanding, and care for the problem.
C
"Yo, you ever skate before?"
Objective To find out why the homeless homies visit Southbank Skatepark by asking a single question.
Takeaway The homeless homies (8) each shared that they either skateboard, used to skateboard, or just enjoy the skateboard environment. Many skaters were seen interacting with the homies, extending the term "locals" to the frequent visitors.
D
Volunteering
Objective To observe guests and volunteers to see what comes to notice.
Takeaway No matter the social status, guests had a personal preference for each one of their belongings. It was also noticed that the majority had little to no storage and relied on small single-use bags.
E
How Does Skateboarding
Shape Cities?
A panel discussion at The Design Museum, London with Iain Borden, Esther Sayers, Charles Myatt, and Sam Elstub.
A talk on how skateboarding impact on topics like urban planning, social interactions, co-existing communities.
Takeaway When asked a question about the co-existence of homelessness and skaters, most were intrigued and had not heard of such a topic. They were able to see the connection and two were later contacted for feedback.
Feedback: The Pros
Feedback: The Locals
Skateshops
Slick Willies and Brixton's Baddest, London
Slicks
“Slick Willie’s is London’s original skate store established in 1970, so there’s nothing that we don’t know about skating!”
Baddest
“Baddest Skateshop is London’s only skateshop south of the river. Serving the local and wider communities since 2015.”
Thank you Slick Willies and Brixton's Baddest for your support and generous help!
Southbank Skaters
Each skater met showed a positive interest in the concept and had their own story to share about the cause. Many had first-hand experiences with the homeless homies and also gave other ideas of ways to help.
Many foundations, influencers, skateboard social media accounts, including The Skatepark Project, Manny Santiago, and Stefani Nurding, were generous enough to spread the word.
Takeaway The local skateboard community confirms it a unique care for the issue as they tend to have more exposure and experience than most. Once sharing their stories, it was realized this is an opportunity and connection that lacks attention.
Prototype Process: Boards for Objects
Scale 1:12
Metal Brackets
3D Printed-Fixed Hinge System
3D Printed-Modular Hinge
Storage Cart Mini
The Storage Cart Mini is the first example of the numerous objects that can be easily made. It holds about a backpack worth of items and easily fits in buses, many of which let the homies ride for free. It is easy to get up and down a curb and set of stairs as well.
The System: Community and Connection
This community-based cycle is between skateboarders and skate shops with the goal to create practical objects for the homies, as well as has the potential to support in larger ways like health, food, and accommodation aid.
Exhibition: London Design Festival 2024
