How can design turn waste into a catalyst for community? This ongoing project—developed in collaboration with Cuba Skate, a nonprofit supporting the emerging skateboarding scene in Cuba—reimagines ocean plastic not just as a material, but as a tool for empowerment.

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The project is rooted in beach cleanup efforts organized by Cuba Skate, where young skaters collect plastic waste while learning about sustainability. These cleanups serve a dual purpose: they foster environmental awareness and build broader public support for skateboarding, a new and often misunderstood subculture in Cuba.

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Building on Groth Studio's earlier research into recycled plastic, the project envisions a skatepark in Havana made entirely from plastic recovered along Cuba’s coastline. More than just a recreational facility, the space is designed to be a community hub—featuring a cooperative workshop, a café, and space for events and education.

The skatepark is imagined as a safe, inclusive space for young people to skate, learn, and connect—while transforming the perception of both plastic waste and youth culture in Cuba. It’s a bold proposal for circular design: turning pollution into possibility, and a marginal sport into a meaningful platform for community.

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