At the heart of the city’s transformation, an existing but underutilized public pond is being reimagined into a dynamic, multi-seasonal public space.
Rethinking The Future Awards 2025
Second Award | Sports & Recreation (Concept)
Project Name: Hartford Ice Skating Pavilion
Category: Sports & Recreation (Concept)
Studio Name: Pendulum
Design Team: Pendulum Design Team
Area: 5000 SF
Year: 2025 (Concept)
Location: Hartford, CT
Render Credits: Pendulum
Other Credits:
Once a murky and maintenance-heavy body of water, the pond will undergo a complete renewal, replacing its muddy bottom with a concrete liner and an integrated glycol piping system. This innovative intervention allows the space to transition seamlessly from a refreshing aquatic retreat in the summer to a beautifully illuminated ice rink in the winter. By enhancing both function and accessibility, the design not only revitalizes a neglected city asset but also reduces the annual maintenance burden on the city while maximizing community engagement.
The design is rooted in the belief that public spaces should be more than just backdrops to city life—they should inspire, invite, and serve. In summer, the revitalized pond will function as a dynamic splash pad with motion-responsive jets, misting zones, and choreographed fountains, creating an interactive environment that welcomes visitors of all ages. In winter, as temperatures drop, the same space transforms into an outdoor ice rink, offering a seasonal experience that blends recreation and social connection under the stars.
At the center of this transformation stands the Park Pavilion, a carefully considered structure that serves as both a functional anchor and a visual landmark. Its breezeway, framed by a cross-diagonal wood trellis, creates a seamless connection between the public plaza and the recreational zones.
Inside, the facility houses skate rentals, a workshop, concessions, and restrooms, while the breezeway doubles as a flexible transition space, offering seating, lockers, and a warming area during winter months. On the opposite side, the non-public area efficiently accommodates ice production equipment and Zamboni storage, ensuring smooth operations without disrupting the visitor experience.
Thoughtfully placed within the park’s existing natural landscape, the pavilion is strategically positioned to allow mature trees to filter sunlight, providing shade in the summer and enhancing the visibility of the rink in the winter.
Its placement creates a visual dialogue between the park and the city beyond, framing views of the downtown skyline while drawing pedestrians into the activity happening within. The project is more than a clever reuse of public space—it is a model for how cities can rethink existing assets in ways that are socially impactful, environmentally sustainable, and financially responsible.
By reimagining what was once an overlooked pond, the design creates a vibrant, all-season community hub that enriches the urban fabric and invites people to gather, play, and connect year-round.
