ICE RINKS INTRODUCTION

In the previous chapter, we deeply analyzed the evolution of stadiums and the different changes and modulation they underwent. Through different technological possibilities and various structural techniques, architects and designers were able to further elaborate and evolve in their design. However, in our thesis, we would like to highlight as well on the history and development of ice-rinks, which we are in particular interested in.

Ice rinks were originally characterized as a frozen body of water where people may skate or participate in winter sports. However, due to different innovations, certain ice rinks with hardened chemicals started to appear.

Different sports activities and facilities can happen on an ice rink, including ice-hockey, sledge hockey, figure skating, speed skating, ice stock sport and curling, and different dancing contests and ice shows. Such variation allow an ice rink to host and accommodate different events, thus, being a sustainable field in its different forms.

Nowadays, rinks can be achieved in different modes, one which is a natural rink obtained by the freezing of ponds, rivers, or lakes due to cold ambient temperatures. A mechanically frozen ice rink is another type of ice rink, in which a coolant creates freezing conditions in the surface below the water, forcing the water to freeze.

There are also synthetic ice rinks, which have plastic skate surfaces. Such technique is the one used in modern day arenas, and the technique which we will later explore and show our technical aspects to achieve in our project.