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Ice skating has been around for quite a while, dating back to 1000 B.C.E. when early Scandinavians used it as a method to travel over frozen lakes. Not so shortly after (in the 18th century, to be precise), the first ice rink was born, transforming the activity from a mode of transportation to the beloved winter pastime we know today.
Used for a variety of thrilling winter sports and recreational activities, contemporary ice rinks can be as breathtaking as they are functional. So strap on your blades and join us as we glide through seven projects around the world that take the humble ice rink to new heights of design excellence.
Upper Skeena Recreation Centre
By hemsworth architecture, Hazelton, Canada
Photo by Ema Peter
Photo by Ema Peter
The Upper Skeena Recreation Centre in Hazelton, British Columbia, stands tall as a symbol of community resilience and pride. With the town’s old arena shutting down, the construction of this new facility, complete with an NHL-sized ice rink, gymnasium, fitness center, changing rooms, and community room, was a much-needed boon. The defining feature of the design is its unique glulam structure, which provides a long clear span over the rink, creating a truly one-of-a-kind space. Additional wood elements such as the prefabricated wall and roof panels give the rink warmth and comfort, emphasizing its connection to nature and local culture.
Seoul Square Ice Rink
By CoRe Architects, Seoul, South Korea
The Seoul Square skating rink is a beloved seasonal space where locals can come together and enjoy winter sports. Every year, the ice rink was torn down and rebuilt, until the latest design by CoRe Architects made it easily reusable for the next year. The new design features a special double air-membrane structure that’s made of lightweight and transparent materials, making it easy to construct and dismantle.
Composed of a combination of equilateral triangles and circles, with a triangular deck that allows citizens to move in and out freely, the ice rink is both visually stunning and inviting. The circular-shaped auxiliary facility surrounding the ice rink provides citizens with new spatial and temporal experiences. And with a roof made up of an air dome, it’s the perfect place to take a break from the cold and warm up.
Ørestad Ice Rink
By Christensen & Co Architects, København S, Copenhagen, Denmark
In contrast to the traditional design of indoor ice rinks, which are often inward-facing and closed-off, the Ørestad Ice Rink breaks away from this mold by offering a visually open and engaging space for sports and community building.
The design features a unique blend of transparent and translucent glass, wooden lamellae, and wood-clad sections that create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environments. With its organic feel and nod to the chilly interior, this façade is sure to captivate anyone who lays eyes on it. Meanwhile, the outdoor path encourages the life of the ice rink to spill out into the surrounding public space, providing places for people to relax and interact with the architecture, making Ørestad Ice Rink more than just a sports venue.
Ice Rink by the Sea
By AB CHVOYA, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Photo by Grigoriy Sokolinsky
Photo by Grigoriy Sokolinsky
The Sevkabel skating rink is a small seasonal project located in the Sevkabel manufactory on Vasilyevsky Island. Placed between an industrial building and a fence, this rectangular ice rink features a unique central island made up of preserved trees found on site. At ground level, the rink is connected with the rental and locker rooms located within the existing building. And to ensure that the waterfront is still accessible from inside the complex, a bridge was built over the ice rink exit, not only connecting different areas but also providing a view of the rink and the sea.
LENTPARK
By SCHULITZ Architects, Köln, Germany
Lentpark ice sports facility is an exceptional building complex that houses an ice rink, indoor swim center, sauna, and restaurant. And its most unique feature? An elevated 850-feet long ice skating track provides visitors with breathtaking views inside and outside of the building. The highly insulated glass facade separates the ice track and the swimming pool climatically, while external panels keep the building cool during summer months and prevent unwanted glare.
The innovative cross-linking of building services helps the facility operate quite efficiently, making it the first ice sports center in Europe to be accepted into the EU’s Green Building program. Whether you’re a professional athlete or simply looking for a fun day out, the ice skating rink and amenities project is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and memorable experience.
Historical Skating Rink within the „Planten un Blomen“ Park
By rimpf Architektur & Generalplanung, Hamburg, Germany
Originally constructed in 1935 for the Hamburg Garden Show, the ice rink in Planten un Blomen park has a rich history. Over the years, the rink has been extended and integrated with the wall ramparts, allowing for a unique and scenic skating experience.
The latest intervention led by rimpf Architecture includes easy disability access, with a new café adjoining the ice rink at ground level. The result is a delightful recreational area that seamlessly blends concrete and wood elements while paying tribute to the color scheme from the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
National Speed Skating Oval
By Populous, Beijing, China
Last but certainly not least is the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing — a stunning landmark that served as the primary venue for the speed skating competition during the 2022 Winter Olympics. Its unique façade celebrates the precision, pace, and drama of speed skating, making it one of the most iconic structures of Beijing’s Olympic Park.
With 22 light strands that flow up and around the Oval to a height of 110 feet, this shell provides a high level of comfort and amenities for visitors. But it’s not just function over form here — at night, the facade transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, with each strand becoming dynamic ribbons of light that change into an endless array of lighting programs. After the games, the NSSO continues to serve the community, hosting winter festivals, public ice skating, ice hockey, and private ice-based shows and events.
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