Ice tops spinning at dizzying speeds. That’s what inspired the design of the National Speed Skating Oval. Welcome to the Ice Ribbon! This Beijing landmark hosted speed skating at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
The National Speed Skating Oval is the only new venue built for the Games. It stands on the former Olympic Green Hockey Field and Archery Field. The Ice Ribbon is now a key part of Beijing’s “Dual Olympic City” legacy. It joins the Bird’s Nest and the Ice Cube as iconic venues.
Populous and the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design created this masterpiece. Construction finished in 2019. The first competition took place on October 8, 2021.
Look closely at the facade. Twenty-two “ice ribbons” wrap around the building. Each ribbon stretches 622 meters. These ribbons evoke the speed and grace of skating. At night, they transform into dynamic light displays.
Inside, the National Speed Skating Oval boasts impressive technology. It is one of the few large ice arenas using CO2 refrigerant. This system cools the ice and heats the arena. Waste heat is recovered for ventilation and hot water. The cooling system has a 4 MW capacity.
During the 2022 Winter Olympics, fourteen gold medals were awarded here. This was the most of any venue. Spectators can feel the skaters’ every move. They can hear the scrape of blades on the ice.
The National Speed Skating Oval can hold 12,000 people. There are 6,800 permanent seats and 5,200 temporary ones. After the Olympics, the Ice Ribbon will be open to the public. It will host skating events and ice hockey games.
The designers drew inspiration from Chinese culture. Tiric Chang, Principal of Populous, recalled “ice tops”. These spinning toys from his childhood sparked the design. He also remembered the Dunhuang Grottoes. These Buddhist caves feature flying apsaras with silk ribbons.
The facade’s geometry was a challenge. Designers considered curved glazing. They also looked at a tensegrity support system. Eventually, they chose a steel cable system. This supports the glass panels effectively.
The National Speed Skating Oval will support China’s Ice and Snow Sports Development Plan. The goal is to involve 300 million people in winter sports by 2025. This venue also aligns with the IOC’s “Agenda 2020”. It ensures a real cost-benefit from hosting the Games.
The client praised the design’s excellence. They called it an international landmark. The National Speed Skating Oval enhances Beijing’s urban landscape. It stands as a symbol of innovation and athletic achievement. So, remember the Ice Ribbon. It is a testament to speed, design, and the Olympic spirit.