Robson Square Ice Rink: An Olympic Legacy Brought to Life by Precision Bending
If you’ve ever laced up your skates at Robson Square’s iconic ice rink in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, you’ve experienced more than just a winter pastime - you’ve stepped into a piece of Olympic history. Nestled beneath its instantly recognizable curved steel domes, the rink is a structural landmark that blends architectural artistry with community spirit.
It’s hard to believe this urban skating hub has had such a storied past. Originally opening in the early 1980s, Robson Square’s rink later closed in the 1990s before being revived, reimagined, and expanded in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Today, it stands as one of Vancouver’s coolest (literally) and most beloved winter gathering places.
Behind the Curves: Albina’s Contribution
Those striking cruved steel overhead domes didn’t come to life by accident. Albina had the pleasure of bending and rolling the steel that brought this structure its smooth, sweeping geometry.
For this project, Albina processed the following materials:
12¾" OD x .500" wall polished stainless steel
8 pieces rolled to 37' 11 11/16" and 18' 9 3/8" radii
4 pieces rolled to 37' 11 11/16" radius
14" OD x .500" A53B ERW
1 piece
The result? Strong, graceful curves that define the atmosphere of the rink and continue to withstand the test of time, weather, and thousands of visitors every winter.
A Structure That Skates Through History
Robson Square’s rink isn’t just a place to chill with friends or enjoy a twirl on the ice - it’s a testament to community revitalization, Olympic legacy, and the engineering precision that made its signature silhouette possible. Albina is proud to have played a part in shaping one of Vancouver’s most cherished winter attractions.
