Swonder Ice Arena

This two-sheet ice facility was built to replace an outdated public rink for the City of Evansville, Indiana, and is part of a larger complex that includes the City’s outdoor pool and and multiuse arena.  The simple, sculptural building form, portrays the dynamic energy of the building’s unique programs while diminishing the scale of the massive spaces within.  The graceful metal roof and diagonal metal wall panels efficiently encapsulate the large interior volumes, which include a 1000-seat ice arena, a 400-seat ice arena, an upper level fitness area and a walking/jogging track.  In contrast, the linear one story masonry base, which contains an indoor skateboard park and support spaces, grounds itself into the site and cradles the larger metal volume.   This masonry brick base reduces the perceived mass of the project even further, to a scale sympathetic with its surrounding context. 

Layers of translucent panels and tinted glazing to maximize “controlled” day lighting into the spaces and provide visual openness between the large active volumes.  Translucent overhead doors between the skateboard park and the adjacent arena can be raised to allow additional seating capacity in the large rink.  A continuous king post roof truss structure, tent-like in nature, reinforces the thin roof plane on the interior of the building.  Extensive use of glass on the interior allows a visual fluidity of the roof plane from one space to the next and creating a greater sense of space beyond each individual area.  The walking/jogging track on the upper level cantilevers out over the adjacent ice rink affording users dynamic views throughout the facility. 

The skateboard facility can be accessed through the buildings main entrance or through a separate controlled entrance of its own.  A large “air curtain” opening allows skateboarders and rollerbladers to move back and forth between the indoor and outdoor skateboard facilities.  A viewing balcony for spectators runs the length of the skate park.  Dining areas overlook the large ice rink and skate park. 

A sophisticated sound system and theatrical lighting throughout the building allows the facility to transform from a competitive ice arena to a “Disco Style” teen hangout where teens can safely gather on Friday evenings.

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