Architecture of Ice Palaces in the USSR and the Russian Federation

Abstract

The article examines the development of a specific typological category of sports and entertainment facilities–indoor ice rinks with spectator seating, commonly referred to as ice palaces (ice arenas). Architectural and planning solutions employed in the design of ice palaces in the USSR and the Russian Federation are analyzed in chronological order. The study documents the evolution of design priorities in the architecture of multifunctional sports and entertainment ice palaces in domestic practice from the 1950s to the present day. Parallels are identified between architectural solutions characteristic of related typologies of sports and entertainment facilities during different historical periods. The research reveals regularities and development trends in both the architectural solutions common to the broader typology of spectator facilities and the specific architectural solutions characteristic of specialized sports facilities, namely ice palaces.