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Abstract
As American cities continue to densify, it is paramount to create public spaces that reflect and welcome the diversity of urban life and the activities that foster community and culture; skateboarding is an element of that diversity but rarely accorded visibility. By a literature review that provides insight into historical context, theory of programming in urban space, and implications of skateboarding and design, and by investigating case studies that encompass the diversity of skateboarding spaces (formal and informal), I will create recommendations for integrating skateboarding into a successful multi-functional urban space. The goal of this research is to effectively create ways to achieve a blend of urban cultural activities, suited to a wide range of ages, abilities, and accessibilities, and successfully integrate these activities into designs for an urban plaza in the cultural hub of Memphis, TN.