Former Winter Olympic Oval in Vancouver

[summerkl]

The long-track speed skating oval was converted to a sports complex. The architectural design is still quite impressive. All shots taken on my NEX-3 with kit lens and pp in LR3.

 

[davect01]

Does it still get used?

 

[BBW]

Beautiful design elements, Kevin. The ceiling and underside of the roof (the same, I think) looks as though it's inlaid wood - gorgeous!

 

[summerkl]

Yes the complex is still in use. Originally it was just the long-track which I had seen previously but didn't get the proper sense of scale. That same space now is divided into 3 sections - the first has 2 hockey rinks side by side, the second has 6 basketball courts side by side and the the third has a running track (300 meters as opposed to normal 400meters) with the inside of the track having hardwood courts for volleyball and badminton.

The inlaid ceiling does look very striking and has an interesting side story - it is made from timber that was damaged by a pine beetle infestation. Therefore, it allowed the timber to be used for a better purpose than being ground into particle board or the like.

 

[BBW]

That's very cool about the timber! What imagination! There is hope after all...with human beings.

So is it a complex that is open to membership? It must be incredible.