Case Studies for College Project: Roller Rinks and Ice Arena Exploration

Case Study Insights DITEU MALOKU Exploring Roller-Oriented Recreational Designs

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EXPLORING ROLLER-ORIENTED RECREATIONAL DESIGNS

Case Study Number One

THE SITUATION Development Challenges and Financing: Current Building: I chose to study an ice rink as my first case study, to better COMPANY NAME

Chelsea Piers Management, Inc. INDUSTRY

Sports and Entertainment

understand the complex costs and functions of an ice rink. The Chelsea Piers Sky Rink is a twin-rink facility that operates seven days a week. Despite its current operational schedule, the facility encountered initial budgetary challenges.

Initial Budget: Initially budgeted at $25 million, the Chelsea Piers renovation faced challenges as costs escalated to $100 million due to unforeseen infra-

LOCATION

Manhattan, New York, USA

structure expenses.

Financial Model: Chelsea Piers Management than borrowed $45 million in short-term, high-interest debt at a fixed rate of 12.5%, necessitating later nego-

TYPE

Adaptive Reuse (former passenger ship terminal)

tiations with the State of New York for a 49-year lease extension and deferred rent payments to stabilize business operations.

Privatization and Revenue: Chelsea Piers effectively privatized the waterfront, charging admissions for various activities, contributing to revenues exceeding

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$20 million in 1996.

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Chelsea Piers Waterfront

Ninth Avenue Terminal

THE SOLUTION

THE BENEFITS

Adaptive Reuse Success and Public Access:

Lessons Learned and Impact:

Transformation: Chelsea Piers demonstrated the

Financial Resilience: Despite facing financial

success of adaptive reuse, converting a neglected

setbacks, Chelsea Piers Management’s negoti-

passenger ship terminal into a 1.7 million square feet

ations and partnership approaches ensured the

sports and entertainment complex.

project’s stability and long-term success.

Opening: The facility opened in stages from August

Urban-Revitalization: Chelsea Piers serves as

1995, offering a diverse range of recreational facilities,

a valuable case study for urban revitalization

including a roller rink/skate park, which now is one of

through adaptive reuse, giving ideas into maxi-

its most prominant highlights year-round for its rec-

mizing the potential of neglected spaces.

reational and entertainment use.

Public-Private Dynamics: Piers approach to

Public vs. Private Access: Chelsea Piers effectively

balancing private revenue generation and pub-

privatized the waterfront, charging admissions for

lic space acts as a lesson for me while I seek to

activities. In contrast, the Ninth Avenue Terminal

create a vibrant recreational roller skating space.

planned to be open to the public free of charge.

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EXPLORING ROLLER-ORIENTED RECREATIONAL DESIGNS

Case Study Number One

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Building Structure and Steel Connections:

Structural Layers (Top to Bottom):

Type of Structure: Multi-functional sports and enter-

1. Skating Surface

tainment complex.

2. Chilled Concrete Slab

Steel Connections: Chelsea Piers Sky Rink incorporates

3. Insulation

various steel connections essential for structural stability and performance, including rafter-to-column, beamto-column, rafter-to-rafter, and column base connections.

Ice Rink Construction: Skating Surface: The ice rink’s skating surface is meticulously designed to meet ideal conditions for thickness and durability.

Refrigeration System: Utilizes a system pumping 9,000 gallons of freezing brine water through pipes onto the ice-bearing concrete slab.

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4. Heated Concrete 5. Sand and Gravel Base 6. Groundwater Drain

See Figure 2

Temperature and Humidity Control: Maintaining the skating surface at 24-26°F, indoor temperature at 63°F, and indoor humidity at 30% is another crucial fact that was mentioned upon. Strict control is an essential piece to prevent issues like fog formation or softening of the ice due to external factors.

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Ice Rink Refrigeration System:

Structural Analysis and Design Checks:

The refrigeration cycle for the ice rink involves three compo-

Loads Considered in its Design:

nents: the chiller, compressor, and condenser.

Live loads on floors (5 kN/m²)

Chiller:

Snow loads on the roof (1.5 kN/m²) The chiller absorbs heat from the brine, returning from

the ice surface, causing the liquid refrigerant (ammonia) to vaporize.

Cooled brine circulates back to the rink, ready to absorb more heat.

Compressor: Vaporized ammonia is pulled into the compressor, lowering the pressure in the chiller.

The compressor pressurizes ammonia gas, raising its temperature significantly.

Wind loads on the building envelope (0.4 kN/m²) Fire loads of 120 MJ/m² Seismic action (with peak ground acceleration of 0.12g and control period of seismic motion Tc=0.7 sec) Design Standards: The structural design follows the Romanian code STAS 10108/0-78, SR-EN1993-1-1, SR-EN1993-1-8, and P100/2006.

Structural Elements: The design incorporates rafter-to-columns connection, and a hunched king-post truss rafter solution to control vertical deflection under gravitational loads.

Condenser: Pressurized ammonia gas condenses in the condenser, returning to a liquid state.

Liquid ammonia is recirculated to the chiller to restart the refrigeration cycle.

How the Rink Stays Cool: Chilled brine is pumped into pipes embedded in the rink floor, drawing heat from the ice surface.

The brine, now warmer, returns to the chiller to release heat, repeating the cycle.

This continuous process ensures the ice remains at the desired temperature for optimal skating conditions.

Figure 2

APPLICATION TO VICTORY ICE MEMORIAL ARENA TRANSFORMATION: This case study on the Chelsea Piers’ structure, steel connections, ice rink construction, and refrigeration system has given me a good overall understanding of how ice arenas operate and what changes need to happen for me to turn it into a roller rink. For example, understanding the layers involved in ice rink construction, such as the chilled concrete slab and insulation, helps me understand the changes needed for roller-oriented surfaces (removing ice refrigeration system, adjusting flooring layers, etc,.). The information from Chelsea Piers shows me what elements might need to be adjusted, like modifying the refrigeration system to suit roller-oriented needs.

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EXPLORING ROLLER-ORIENTED RECREATIONAL DESIGNS

Case Study Number Two

THE SITUATION PARK NAME

The Monument Skate Park Renovation Journey

Monument Skate Park

Current State and Collaborative Approach:

INDUSTRY

Sports and Entertainment LOCATION

Monument, Colorado, USA

Current Build: The existing structure depicted above is the Monument Skate Park, which was established in the early 2000s and is now in need of renovation.

Current Size and Features: Size: 10,000 sq. ft.

Features: Outdoor concrete surface, no artificial lighting.

TYPE

Redevelopment and Enhancement Initiative

Collaboration for Improvement: The town is collaborating with CU Denver’s University Technical Assistance and the Department of Local Affairs to study and enhance the skate park.

Study and Options: There is ongoing study to assess the current use and create improvement options.

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Concept Design #1

Concept Design #2

Concept Design #3

Concept Design #4

THE SOLUTION Concept Designs for Improvement:

Concept Designs for Improvement:

Concept Design 1:

Concept Design 3:

Features: 18 additional parking spaces, central shade pavilion, extra bowls/river runs for skaters.

Features: Pavilion on the bottom right, 16 parking spaces, raised platform, shade, tot lot.

Rationale: This design prioritizes increased parking

Rationale: This design aims for a family-friendly en-

capacity, introduces a central shade pavilion for comfort, and

vironment. The raised platform provides a vantage point,

provides additional features to cater to diverse skating pref-

and diverse skating features cater to different skill levels.

erences.

Concept Design 4:

Concept Design 2: Features: 15 parking spaces, wrap-around shade for the mini ramp, central pavilion, consideration for beginner skate features.

Features: Pavilion on the left side, 14 parking spaces, skate features categorized into four levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert).

Rationale: This design introduces a segmented ap-

Rationale: Emphasizing shade and pavilion spaces,

proach, organizing skate features by skill level. The left-

this design focuses on enhancing the mini ramp experience

side pavilion creates a focal point, enhancing the overall

and considers features for beginners, promoting inclusivity.

aesthetic.

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EXPLORING ROLLER-ORIENTED RECREATIONAL DESIGNS

Case Study Number Two Site Plan A

Site Plan C

Site Plan B

Site Plan D

THE SOLUTION Additional Site Plan Concepts: Site Plan A:

Site Plan C:

Features: Adds a new lot with 6 ADA-accessible

Features: Adds three spots to the existing lot, in-

spots, enhances visibility, and redistributes the skate

troduces a picnic shelter, considers Scooter/Tricycle tracks,

park for improved features.

and elements like a play climber & mini pump track.

Rationale: By addressing the accessibility, visi-

Rationale: Balancing parking expansion with rec-

bility, and improved features, this plan ensures inclusiv-

reational offerings, this plan introduces diverse entertain-

ity and a dynamic skate park layout.

ment features and additional parking.

Site Plan B:

Site Plan D:

Features: Expands the existing parking lot, adds

Features: Employs phased construction, trans-

more shade picnic areas, and designates the drop-off/

forms south lot into learning area, maximizes usable space,

entrance point at the skate park sign.

and includes a picnic pavilion next to the beginner area.

Rationale: Focusing on visitor convenience, this

Rationale: Utilizing a phased approach, this plan

plan prioritizes parking expansion, enhances shade ar-

maximizes usability, creates dedicated learning spaces,

eas, and optimizes the entrance experience.

and strategically incorporates a picnic pavilion.

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APPLICATION TO VICTORY ICE MEMORIAL ARENA TRANSFORMATION: Parking Solutions: Incorporate parking solutions relevant to

Lessons for Victory Ice Memorial Arena Transformation:

the arena’s location and potential visitor influx.

Arena Size and Features: Size Transformation: Explore options for adapting the arena’s size to accommodate roller skating features.

Surface Upgrade: Consider upgrading to a concrete

Community Engagement: Design spaces that draw the local institutions and communities towards community engagement Adaptive Design: Learn from Monument Skate Park’s adaptive

surface suitable for roller skating.

design in balancing new features while preserving the arena’s

Amenities and Shade: Consider incorporating shade structures

essence.

and amenities to enhance the overall roller skating experience.

User-Centric Approach: Prioritize user needs and experience

Skill-Level Segmentation: Apply the concept of categorizing

to create a roller skating arena that caters to a diverse audience.

roller skating features based on skill levels to ensure inclusivity and progression within the roller skating community.

Site Plan Integration: Evaluate the viability of the additional site plans, considering parking, visibility, and the incorporation of green space.

VICTORY ICE MEMORIAL ARENA CURRENT SITE

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EXPLORING ROLLER-ORIENTED RECREATIONAL DESIGNS

Case Number Three HOME TO THE CREATIVITY THAT MOVES US. FAN CROWD SURFING.

ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATION AND SK ATEBOARDING INTEGRATION Architectural Concept: The following design is The House of Vans. This design, led by skateboarder and designer Pete

OVERVIEW

House of Vans London

Hellicar and architect Tim Greatrex, smoothly integrates skateboarding forms into the venue’s elements, including

COMPANY NAME

entrance counter, transitioning ramp, skatepark areas, cin-

Tim Greatrex Architect and Hellicar Studio

ema seating, and café kitchen enclosure.

Shrines to Vans Culture: The House of Vans London cuaght

LOCATION

London, United Kingdom

my eye due to the unique mannes in which it embodies shrines to various aspects of Vans culture - shoes, skateboarding, art, music, food, alcohol, ‘rock and roll,’ and the

YEAR

venue’s theatrical history.

2014

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Live Music Room Enlarged Floor Plan

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VENUE DESIGN AND STRUCTURE

ACTIVATION AND BROADCASTING

Venue Layout: House of Vans London, located beneath 150-year-old brick arches near Waterloo station, encompasses five tunnels, each dedicated to a specific function - art, film, music, and skateboarding.

Creative Spaces: The venue features an art gallery, Vans labs for creative endeavors, a screening room, live music space for 850 people, premium café, and multiple bars.

SPACE ACTIVATION The space encourages self-governance and ownership, allowing it to evolve organically.

Live internet radio, camera feeds, and social media broadcasts showcase live activities, connecting Vans London with the global Vans community.

Skatepark Design: The skatepark occupies three tunnels, catering to various skill levels - a concrete ‘bowl’ for professionals, a ‘street scene’ for medium ability, and a ‘mini

BROADCASTING INFLUENCE

ramp’ area for beginners.

Live broadcasting generates interest and connectivity, inspiring people globally to visit and participate. The House of Vans becomes a dynamic and creative hub through its online presence.

Iconic Rubber Floor: Unifying the tunnels, the rubber floor, inspired by the Vans shoe’s sole pattern, aligns with brick arches, providing a durable, contrasting surface against raw brick walls and vaulted ceilings.

MATERIAL CHOICES Linear strip lighting grazes walls and ceilings, creating a dramatic effect. Exterior flood lighting inside the skatepark reflects evenly, ensuring glare-free professional use. Neon signs enhance the subterranean atmosphere.

LIGHTING SOLUTIONS Concrete, rubber, and lights define the venue’s aesthetic. The rubber floor, reminiscent of the Vans shoe, is not only visually striking but also durable and recyclable.

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EXPLORING ROLLER-ORIENTED RECREATIONAL DESIGNS

Case Number Three Summer Solstice at Local Noon

Existing SIte Map

OVERVIEW

House of Vans London AREA

2,500 square meters PURPOSE

A mixed-use creative venue celebrating Vans culture since 1966, integrating skateboarding, art, film, and music.

62 ° Summer Solstice at Local Noon

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LOCATION AND CLIMATE Location: House of Vans London is situated beneath 150-yearold brick arches near Waterloo station in London, United Kingdom.

Climate: The area experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild temperatures, moderate rainfall throughout the year, and relatively consistent weather patterns. Additionally, the suns altitude angle can reach up to 62 degrees during summer times.

Underground Nature: Being underground, the venue’s design is one that considers the inherent environmental conditions of subterranean spaces, including temperature regulation and potential humidity.

Organic Evolution: The space is allowed to evolve organically and be self-governed reducing the need for constant interventions, encouraging the community to take responsibility for

Interior View

the space.

APPLICATION TO VICTORY ICE MEMORIAL ARENA: Lighting and Materials: House of Vans London Insight:

Utilizes concrete, rubber, and dramatic lighting

for a visually striking and durable atmosphere.

Application to Victory Ice Memorial Arena:

Explore materials (rubber) and lighting aligning

with roller-skating aesthetics for durability and visual appeal.

Location and Climate: Application to Victory Ice Memorial Arena:

Account for unique climate conditions, ensuring

suitability for indoor roller skating and potential outdoor events.

Organic Evolution and Self-Governance:

Exterior View

Application to Victory Ice Memorial Arena:

Foster community ownership, enabling organic

growth for a sustainable and thriving roller-skating culture.

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