
NATIONAL SPEED SKATING OVAL
Client
Year
Lead
Role
Location
Official Website
Government Project
(Beijing Winter Olympic 2022)
2017
POPULOUS
Brice P. Employee at POPULOUS as Computational Lead on this project
In his role as the Computational Design Lead at NSSO within the Populous team, Brice played a pivotal role during the Schematic Design phase, explicitly focusing on translating the winning competition concept into a tangible project. His primary emphasis was on the architectural envelope, encompassing the cable net roof and glass façade. Despite the design's apparent simplicity and minimalistic concept, it entailed intricate geometry driven by algorithms to ensure both rationality and cost-effectiveness. Throughout the Schematic Design phase, Brice closely collaborated with a small team comprising approximately 6 to 8 individuals. The majority of the team concentrated on the planning and the bowl's interior aspects, while Brice assumed responsibility for the architectural envelope. Coordination within the team was achieved through the utilization of Revit, with the actual design work being conducted using Rhino and Grasshopper. The entire envelope underwent weekly updates to ensure seamless coordination and address any drawing-related issues. The Hyperbolic Parabolic roof was meticulously designed to conform to the contours of the bowl and the ice rink within, all while enveloping the façade. The façade itself underwent a significant number of iterations, ranging from ETFE cushions to double-curved glass panels, before ultimately settling on single-curved glass panels.




