Tod WIlliams Billie Tsien Architects is the firm responsible for a sheltered ice rink in Brooklyn, New York. The ice rink is part of the recreational LeFrank Center at Lakeside which accommodates year-round skating activities. The covered rink (and the oblong rink adjacent to it) are used for hockey and skating in the winter. In the summer, the venue is transformed into a roller skating area, water feature and play area.
The underside of the roof, which is painted a captivating midnight blue, is decorated with fluid patterns (painted in silver) that mimic the graceful footwork of figure skaters. It's supported by ten granite-clad columns, spaced irregularly around its perimeter.
In order for the project to come to fruition, the architects had to restore a 10-hectare landscaped park and design two single-storey buildings for staff and visitor use.
Veiled Ice Rinks
Tod WIlliams Billie Tsien Architects Have Designed a Sheltered Ice Rink
Trend Themes
1. Sheltered Ice Rinks - The trend of designing ice rinks with sheltered structures allows for year-round ice skating activities.
2. Multi-purpose Recreational Spaces - Creating venues that can be transformed for different activities throughout the year, such as roller skating in the summer, offers diverse recreational opportunities.
3. Innovative Roof Designs - Architects are exploring creative ways to design roofs, like painting captivating patterns and incorporating fluid shapes, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects and designers have the opportunity to create innovative and visually appealing structures for recreational facilities like ice rinks.
2. Sports and Entertainment - The sports and entertainment industry can benefit from the development of sheltered ice rinks that can be used year-round for various activities.
3. Landscaping and Construction - The restoration and design of landscaped parks and buildings associated with recreational venues present opportunities for landscaping and construction companies.