Community, Culture, and Change at Gooder

At its core, Gooder is built on a simple idea: for skaters, by skaters. As one of Dubai’s first indoor skateparks, the project introduces a new type of urban third space – a place where people can skate, drink coffee, work, gather with friends and participate in the wider creative community. By merging sport, hospitality and retail, Gooder reimagines what a skate space can be, transforming it into a dynamic cultural hub that celebrates youth culture, inclusivity and the resilience of the region’s growing skate community.

Designed by Studio Pheasant with a team led by Creative Director Talar Bardakjian, the studio set about creating a space that could act as a platform for community building and social interaction. Rather than designing a conventional sports facility, the studio envisioned an indoor skatepark that would transcend its primary function and become a catalyst for connection. The skatepark acts as the anchor for the whole concept; while retail, food, events and workspaces expand the experience into a hybrid destination. 

Rather than creating a polished or overly refined environment, the space embraces adaptability and imperfection. Flexibility became a guiding design principle, allowing the environment to evolve alongside the community it serves. Gooder was conceived as a living space that can continuously transform, grow and be reinterpreted over time. This DIY mindset also supports the project’s long-term sustainability. By prioritising robust materials and adaptable design systems, the space is able to evolve without requiring constant renovation or replacement, allowing it to remain relevant and functional for years to come.

At the centre of Gooder sits a sculptural fountain that anchors the entire spatial experience. The idea originated from the traditional fountains commonly found within homes in Damascus, Syria, intimate courtyards where water becomes a focal point for gathering, conversation and everyday life.

Studio Pheasant translated this cultural reference into a contemporary spatial gesture by reinterpreting the geometry of these domestic fountains into a central feature and surrounding furniture. The narrative then connected naturally to Dubai’s skate scene, where skaters gather weekly at the Deira Memorial Fountain. By linking these two references, the design creates a symbolic bridge between regional heritage and contemporary youth culture.

Gooder is organised into three primary zones: a flexible retail environment on the ground floor, Ollie’s Pizza, and a mezzanine lounge designed for working, meetings and events. Together, these spaces create a layered experience that shifts seamlessly throughout the day.

The ground floor retail space sits directly beside the fountain and skatepark, acting as the project’s most adaptable environment. From the outset, Studio Pheasant designed this area to reflect the improvisational nature of skate culture while providing the flexibility required for evolving retail and event programming.

Walls are lined with modular peg systems that allow fixtures to be easily added, removed and reconfigured. Shelves, hang rails and skateboard deck displays can be plugged in and out as needed, enabling the space to respond to changing brands, exhibitions or community activations. Flexibility extends beyond the walls. Two pairs of rail tracks carved into the floor allow retail fixtures and the coffee counter to slide along the space. This simple yet highly effective move enables the layout to be continuously reconfigured, transforming the environment for different retail setups, gallery installations or events.

The majority of the materials including brick, concrete, metal and wood were sourced locally, reducing transport impact while strengthening connections with regional suppliers and makers. Walnut veneer peg walls bring warmth and tactility, while locally produced clay brick introduces texture and regional authenticity. Around the fountain, square ceramic tiles form a stylised interpretation of a Persian rug, translating traditional patterns into a contemporary geometric language that reflects the Gooder brand palette. Rooted in regional references yet shaped by global youth culture, Gooder reflects the growing influence of skateboarding as a social and creative movement within the Middle East.