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In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our Architrivia.
The Olympic Oval on the University of Calgary campus was designed as the first enclosed speed skating oval in North America. Built for speed skating's indoor debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics, the building continues to flourish as the official training centre for Speed Skate Canada and the Canadian National Speed Skating team almost 30 years on.
Construction on the world-class facility began in 1985, utilizing precast and prestressed concrete, and involving the installation of 28 perimeter beams that supported 84 beams forming a lattice frame for the arched roof membrane. The Olympic Oval opened in September 1987, five months before the start of the Olympics.
The combination of a number of factors — an advanced climate control system, a high altitude, and two propane ice resurfacers — produced the ideal conditions for speed skating. The Oval was frequently exalted as the "fastest ice on Earth" over the course of the Olympics, which saw records smashed in numerous speed skating events. Records continued to be broken over the following decade, and a slight rebranding to "the fastest ice in the world" solidified the facility's international reputation as a premier venue for the winter sport. Nearly 300 world records have been set at the Oval in long and short track speed skating events since its opening.
The fastest ice in the world is made with demineralized water, which reduces the amount of dirt and mineral accumulation that increases friction between the ice and the skate blades. The one-inch-thick ice is laid on top of the concrete and painted according to the specifications of the sport. Today, the Oval features three ice surfaces, one long track speed skating oval and two Olympic-size hockey rinks fitting inside the oval ice.
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