Roller Rink Case Studies

PROGRAMMING & SOCIETY ARCH3210

CASE STUDIES

JESUS A. HERRERA

“VERSUS” STUDY ARCHITECT

LOCATION

YEAR BUILT

SIZE

Mathurin Crucy

Nantes, France

2021

1,000 sqft (38m in diameter)

PROJECT OBJECTIVE “The new installation designed by TITAN is inspired by the relationship between form and balance established by architect Mathurin Crucy, who designed both the square and the theater in the late 18th century.”

PRIMARY PROGRAMMING The primary focus of the project is to attract residents & visitors by the use of a visually appealing structure.

(Exhibition/Sculpture) SECONDARY PROGRAMMING The secondary focus would be providing a public space where you can go to exercise. (Sport)

MATERIALS The entirety of the project uses white concrete as its material.

JESUS A. HERRERA

For the main structure they primarily used prefabricated white concrete. Main structure being the benches/seating separating the rink from everything else.

For the rink track, they used poured in place white concrete to have a smooth surface to skate on.

SUNLIGHT & SHADE The project is surrounded by existing buildings so it gets natural morning/evening shade. Anything in between from the morning to evening the sun gives the site direct sunlight.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The skating rink takes advantage of the natural slope of the site to provide a different kind of experience for skaters. The rink uses the outer edges as benches for both pedestrians and skaters. It wasn’t clarified but it seems like the rink only has one entrance which is located north-west of the rink but could also have multiple depending on if the pieces are moveable or not.

The rink is a part of the art festival “Le Voyage a Nantes”, which encourages people to explore the city while also learning about its history, the different views, and its social dynamics.

SPATIAL EXPERIENCE As I’ve stated before, the exterior of the rink acts as both railings for the skaters and as seating for pedestrians. The feeling you can get from being on either side of the rink is different for everyone, giving the site a diverse feeling for everyone surrounding it.

PROGRAMMING & SOCIETY

PROJECT OBJECTIVE Addressing the conflict between skaters and established interest groups that viewed skating as a problem.

PRIMARY PROGRAMMING The primary goal was to give skaters a place to skate without having to worry about pedestrians bothering them. (Sport) SECONDARY PROGRAMMING The secondary goal was to appeal to everyday pedestrain usage. (Park + Public Space) MATERIALS Concrete Slabs and poured in place concrete were used for this project.

The construction and material selection ensured that the project would be durable against weather and continuous usage.

LANDSCAPE PROGRAMMING Concept developement of the floor and tiling to figure out the patterns/rotations of each tile while also figuring out spots for small gardens/greenery. The ramps/rails weren’t included in this.

“KAP 686 SKATE PARK” STUDY

Walkable paths

Skate equipment

Skate area

HOW DOES IT WORK? The selection of the site location was very specific to meet the needs of the skaters while maintaining a visually appealing AND functional project.

To optimize the area for skating, the site was reorganized using a specific algorithm, resulting in varied structures integrated with green elements and smooth surfaces. In addition to the green elements the location of the site takes advantage of its surrounding scenery, the Rhine River, to give pedestrians and skaters something to look at as they pass by.

ARCHITECTS Metrobox Archteken YEAR BUILT 2011 LOCATION Cologne, Germany SIZE 100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft

CIRCULATION Since the primary focus was to provide a skate park for skaters, the smooth pavement is dominantly used by the skaters. Everything else surrounding the pavement is where pedestrians walk, they are still able to walk on the pavement but tend not to.

PROGRAMMING & SOCIETY

“REHMANNIA ROOT CRAFT ARCHITECTS

LOCATION

YEAR BUILT

SIZE

LUO Studio

Henan, China

2021

1,463 sqm (15,747.6 sqft)

PROJECT OBJECTIVES 1. Conceptual Shift from “Factory” to “Exhibition Hall” Houyanmen village prioritizes rural industrial revitalization, with buildings designed as workshops. LUO studio redesigned the crafts exhibition hall to meet modern needs while reflecting local traits and ecological concerns.

2. Natural Sunlight Creating a space enriched with light to mimic the traditional method of processing Rehmannia Roots.

3. Circular Plane for circulation A circular layout ensures efficient visitor circulation and cost reduction.

JESUS A. HERRERA

HOW DOES IT WORK? Externally, the adjacent side walls are stepped, allowing natural light to penetrate. The wooden beams interlock, forming a spiral pattern to support each other. The structural system breaks down into small, standardized modular components, streamlining the construction process. Three rings define the space: an outer one integrating enclosing walls with timber structures, a central one housing shelves displaying various Rehmannia root products, and an innermost ring featuring terraced seating and a 2.5-meter-diameter skylight that floods the space with daylight, emphasizing its central position.

TS EXHIBITION HALL” STUDY

SUN PATH / SUNLIGHT

MATERIALS Primary Materials: Brick, Timber and Genius Loci Houyanmen Village’s houses, mainly from the 1970s and 1990s, feature redbrick walls and wooden roofs. The project uses local red bricks for walls and wooden frames for roofs and support columns, blending tradition with durability.

JESUS A. HERRERA

PROGRAMMING & SOCIETY