National Ice Skating Centre

This complex, dedicated to ice sports, is designed to host both national and international competitions and also serve as a venue for public skating. In addition, it includes functions such as a hotel, restaurant, shops, and a swimming pool. The ice rinks, surrounded by stands, clearly define the floor plan of the building. The overall shape of the rinks, which are stacked on multiple levels, creates a unified elliptical form.

We envisioned the building’s mass as an ice sheet. The different levels, each with its own curved contours, layer upon each other like the layers of an ice sheet, creating a natural, irregular, and lightweight floating structure. The cantilevered portions of the building mark the entry zones. The façade appearance and the structural design are both determined by this concept.

The site is located within the Budapest Olympic Centre, in proximity to contemporary stadium buildings and nationally protected monuments. The challenge was to understand and respect the rich historical context of the area while creating an iconic building that reflects the significance of the sports facility.

The design features an airy aesthetic, with reflective façades that mirror the surrounding light and colours. It harmonizes with the green spaces around it, while its external surfaces reflect the unique atmosphere of the neighbouring historical environment. Instead of competing with the dominant neighbouring structures, the building’s shiny facades echo the distinct atmosphere of the protected surroundings.