Ice Sports and Event Arena, CH-Visp
A new ice sports and event arena is to be built in the eastern part of the city of Visp, in a diverse outlying neighborhood. The design proposes creating a spacious, covered outdoor plaza by setting back the facade from the access road. A large canopy also marks the primary access point to the stadium from this side. By creating a clear main facade and separate entrances for standing-room and seated-seat tickets, visitor flows are separated already in the outdoor area.
The starting point for the interior design was integrating the ice rink into the building footprint while maximizing the impact of the grandstand design. The arrangement of spectator stands that wrap around the entire height of the building is combined with a wraparound access corridor located at ground floor level.
To the east of the main ice arena is a volumetric “backpack” that provides space for the necessary ancillary facilities. These are connected vertically via distributed utility and distribution levels. The above-ground floors house the “public facilities,” such as the foyer, the arena restaurant, the luxury suites, and the “Red Lions” area. The team locker rooms, the access to the ice rink, and all facilities that do not require natural light are located underground.
The food and beverage outlets located on the gallery level are directly connected to the foyer, fan shop, and kiosk via wide staircases and are open to the public during the day as well. Generously sized skylights bring light into the interior of the arena and create vertical sightlines.
