In 2014, I travelled to Afghanistan on a team of three international volunteers, with 6 months to build Afghanistan’s first concrete skate plaza at the new Skateistan, Mazar-e-Sharif.

Working with local staff and students to develop the design, we included gardens, sports fields and an outdoor classroom, with inspiration taken from traditional Islamic landscape design.  A central gathering space in the form of the Rub-el-Hizb, an icon in architecture of the region, creates a hub where teachers and students start their days. Developed with local builders and construction techniques, and incorporating recycled military infrastructure into recreational features for students, this space became an oasis of learning and fun in a safe environment.  

Skatepark and classrooms for 1,000 children in Mazar-e-Sharif - The Guardian