Latraac Skate Cafe

An inner-city skateboarding and design initiative built within a derelict 19th-century courtyard in Athens, Greece, through a framework of social entrepreneurship.

The 320-square-metre property was designed by architect Zachos Varfis from his studio on Athens’ Strefi Hill. Zachos used remains from 19th century housing and a digitally aided system to convert the space into a garden, cafe and a plywood bowl for transition skateboarding.

The context of the Greek financial crisis simultaneously helped and hindered the realisation of the project. On the one hand, it limited resources, but on the other provided the conditions for experimentation.