Nanaimo Ice Centre

Nanaimo, BC
Construction Cost: $11 million (Canadian)
Area / Square Feet: 70,000
Occupancy Date: June 2006

Designed to be a leading tournament facility, the Nanaimo Ice Centre features 400- and 200-seat arenas to directly serve the community’s needs for hockey and lacrosse. Part of a larger recreation complex that includes an aquatic center, playing fields and a high school, the design focuses on creating a recreation gateway for the city, despite the challenges of an oddly shaped site flanked by protected wetlands.

The larger arena is side-loaded, with spectator seating located between the goal lines, while the smaller rink is end-loaded with seating. There are four changing rooms per rink, plus multiple fl ex changing rooms. The reception area allows for visibility and ease of access for the general public, while heated viewing areas in a multiuse hall and the lobby augment the arena seating.

The interiors feature a bold color scheme of blue and yellow, and curved walls in the lobby create a dynamic space. Local artists worked with the design team to provide a distinct character through the use of etched glass, stone sculpture, wall banners and a dramatic fi replace in the multiuse hall. The design team employed its signature design charette methodology, which allowed the concept of the design to be completed in just four days.