HDR is working alongside VDA Architects and Anagram LLC Architects on the design of the first indoor skating arena in Mongolia. Located in the capital of Ulan Bator near the city airport, the project represents a collaboration between the sport expertise of HDR and the vernacular understanding of Anagram. The project represents a decade long dream for the development team to bring an indoor arena to Mongolia as ice sports (hockey and short track speed skating) are very popular.

The project features 2,600 seats in a full seating bowl designed to suit other events such as small concerts, making it a true mini event centre. The design of the dressing room area has some unique features as the site connects to nearby playing fields and as a result, the dressing rooms are designed to be flexible so that they can also be used for teams using the outdoor fields.

Because the facility will act as a national training centre, the building will also feature classrooms, video rooms, and associated coaching and teaching spaces. Multi-use rooms and a hospitality suite are located on a third level balcony affording the VIP visitors premium views of the action below. A restaurant sits at one end of the concourse level providing patrons with food and beverage options. A large “back of house” area anticipates events that are larger than what a facility of a similar size would be able to draw in North America by comparison.

The execution of the architectural parti aims to show the City as the capital of an emerging nation and picks up on both modern and references to aeronautical design. Outside the building are plazas that welcome participants and spectators and features an outdoor skating rink.