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.
What's Driving This Trend
- Sheltered Ice Rinks
- The trend of designing ice rinks with sheltered structures allows for year-round ice skating activities.
- 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.
- 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.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture
- Architects and designers have the opportunity to create innovative and visually appealing structures for recreational facilities like ice rinks.
- 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.
- Landscaping and Construction
- The restoration and design of landscaped parks and buildings associated with recreational venues present opportunities for landscaping and construction companies.
