Winnipeg Skating Shelters by Patkau Architects; photo by James Dow''

The award-winning Vancouver-based practice Patkau Architects has realised these sculptural temporary skating shelters in the Canadian city of Winnipeg. Executed in double-layered flexible plywood, the shelters are located at the confluence of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers which transform into miles-long skating trails during harsh winter months (Winnipeg is the coldest city of its size outside of Siberia). Each of the intimate snug-looking structures has been designed to accommodate a limited amount of skaters at a time. (more…)