9
Special topics
Figure 178 Ice rink in Cityplaza, Island East
9.5
Ice rinks
Ice rinks are great attractions in shopping malls. However, there are several design factors that need to be considered
in order to operate a proper, energy-efficient and low cost ice rink inside a shopping mall. These include acoustics,
insulation of walls, floor and ceiling, skylights, efficient refrigeration, mechanical ventilation and air dehumidification.
9.5.1 Refrigeration system
The refrigeration system for an ice rink will consume a significant amount of energy. When considering the energy
benefits of a water cooled heat rejection system against an air cooled system, it is recommended that the retail design
make the necessary provisions to facilitate the ice rink vendor’s adopting a water cooled refrigeration system.
9.5.2 Acoustics
The skating experience can be intensified by playing music in the background. However the acoustics in and around the
ice rink require careful design. The ice surface absorbs very little sound, reflecting most of the sound into the space in
which the ice rink is located, which is usually very big. Speeches and broadcasts in this area can become blurred and
speaking to each other may be quite difficult. The problem can be tempered through carefully located speakers and
increasing the noise absorption of other surface areas.
Other than fast food or pubs where a high level of background noise is not a problem, restaurants overlooking an ice rink
should be separated from the ice rink area by glass walls or partitions.
9.5
Ice rinks
194 Hong Kong Green Shop Guide
