The Olympic Ice Sports Proposal by Idea Image Institute Architects for the main ice sports facility in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea is one which catches the eye immediately. There is some quality, just outside of the reach of description, which is a speed skater. The ethos of the mad dash, the corners taken nearly parallel to the ice, the limbs slashing wildly through the air… these seem to have been taken somehow and distilled into the bulbous forms proposed. Below, the architects describe their plans for the building both during the Games and afterwards.
Courtesy of Idea Image Institute of Architects (IIIA)
Courtesy of Idea Image Institute of Architects (IIIA)
The Arena is integrated with management and serves the rink nearby so the main arena can minimize the running cost. Gyeong-po lake, a very beautiful lake placed north of the site, will be restored and through the existing stadium site south of the site will be connected by Eco sky bridge and under path.
Courtesy of Idea Image Institute of Architects (IIIA)
The main facilities are considered the connecting roads level, and each parking space is arranged near the main arena and management/serve arena. Connection with managements vehicle path are granted efficient and minimize of the parking flow, separated with pedestrian and Vehicle path totally.
The inner space is open to the Gyeongpo beautiful lake, which is intended the legacy modes of the 2018 winter Olympic game. The Mass axis is considered with masterplan axis according to city growing axis. The multi leveled deck which contains Pedestrian Path to the 2nd deck level and Vehicle path to the 1st deck level is definitely separated.
Project info :
Architect : Chul-Hee, Kang, Idea Image Institute of Architects
Year : 2018
Location : Gangneung Sports Complex Area, Kyo-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, Korea
Project Team : Jong-moo Kim, Yong-won, Kim Noa, Kim Eugene, Chun Hyeuk-jun, Gwon Seung-Hyeon,Yong Jae-Ho, Heo
Land Classification : Belongs to Natural Green Zone etc.
Principle : Gangwon-do, Korea
Function : Sports Facility (Speed skating arena)
Site Area : 455,073㎡
Building Area : 25,465.74㎡
Total Floor Area : 32,565.54㎡
Capacity of Seats : 8,019 seats (portable type)
Stories : B1, 2 Fl.
Height : 40m
Structure : Reinforced concrete, Steel Truss (Roof)
Finish : Aluminum Sheet, Metal Panel, Eco Louver, Low-E double layered glass
Estimated Project Cost : 100.4 billion KRW
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.