Swire Properties Cityplaza Ice Palace Interior Retrofit Design
The new design for the Cityplaza Ice Palace provides a unique opportunity to upgrade and refresh Hong Kong’s pioneering entertainment and leisure destination which has been in operation since 1987.
The ice rink is an indispensable component, distinguishing Cityplaza from other typical shopping malls through generating synergy with neighbouring entertainment options to create a recreational hub.
As part of Swire Properties’ Sustainability Development 2030 Strategy, the new retrofit is a demonstration of the client’s long-term commitment towards placemaking and sustainability. Latest technologies along with a range of new amenities are incorporated to offer a seamless customer experience for both skaters and their accompanies. It is becoming a new multifunction venue attractive to young families and millennials, further strengthening Cityplaza’s position as a lifestyle and entertainment destination in the region.
The concept for the design is the “glacier crystals”, where the theme of ice is explored and expressed in the design of all spaces from the customer arrival, event spaces, viewing zones, skate rental/change areas, washrooms, and the main rink area.
The spaces are designed to allow for a seamless journey from arrival to skating to departure, providing the customers with a memorable experience. The fractal geometries of ice crystals are articulated in the design of the ceilings, lighting, column cladding, balcony edges to the flooring patterns. The use of light-coloured durable materials lends a fresh younger feel to the environment. The rink skylight allows for filtered natural lighting during the daytime whilst a dynamic theatrical lighting is embedded to animate the rink at nighttime. The rink is also equipped with a state-of-the-art 16m wide LED screen to the north end, which enlivens the rink and draws in viewers from all directions of the shopping mall.
The customer experience is enhanced with the use of highly digitalised services, including the self-service ticketing kiosk, self-skate hire, as well as dedicated self-service lockers for daily and monthly users. The washrooms are designed to provide individual changing and a dedicated family room with convenient amenity for young families. The entrances are designed without doors, which allow for better circulation and added convenience.
The administration offices and staff facilities are replanned to provide the team with new dedicated work and break out areas.
The skate shop is relocated from its original location inside the ice rink public space to the balcony facing the south atrium; the new location maximises the use of valuable retail space while providing a natural location for a prominent signage identity for the new ice rink.
Overall, the design of the Cityplaza Ice Palace provides Swire Properties a new benchmark within Hong Kong and Southeast Asia as a premier destination for entertainment and leisure.
team
Project Leader | Stephanie Mendoza
Interiors | Mary Ma, Grant Wood, Philip Chan, Conrad Yau, Stephen Sek
CGI | Adisak Yavilas, Henry Han, Yasser Salomon
consultants
Inhabit — Lighting Consultant
Graphia Brand — Signage & Graphics Consultant
