Ingalls Rink
Ashmi Shah
Ingalls Rink
Ashmi Shah
Project: David S Ingalls Rink
Architect: Eero Saarinen
Year of Completion: 1958
Place: New Haven, Connecticut
The David S. Ingalls Rink, also called the Yale Whale is the ice hockey rink of Yale University and is known for its sweeping curved roof. The building has an elliptical shape and is supported by a long concrete spine from which cables hold up the roof. The side walls follow the same curve as the roof and slope outward to make the structure stronger while also giving it a bold look. The rink sits in a quiet residential area near Yale Old Campus with academic buildings on its south side.
Sections
From the sections, I learned that structure can define the entire spatial experience. The suspended roof system showed me how large spans can be achieved without interrupting the interior. I understood how vertical relationships influence volume, light, and atmosphere. The section also highlighted how contrasting structural elements can create a sense of balance and tension. It made me realize that section is crucial in expressing both the logic and emotion of a design.
Plan
From studying the plan, I learned how simplicity can create strong spatial clarity. The organization around a central function helps in making circulation intuitive and efficient. I understood the importance of aligning all secondary spaces to support the primary activity. The plan also taught me how visual connectivity enhances user engagement within a space. Overall, it showed me that a well-resolved plan can quietly guide movement without confusion.
Building Section
Through the end wall section, I learned how structural depth and layering contribute to both stability and spatial definition. It helped me understand how vertical elements anchor the larger roof system and resolve edge conditions. This exercise showed me how even secondary sections carry critical structural and spatial information.
Axonometric Section
Creating the axonometric view helped me visualize the three-dimensional relationship between different structural components. It made complex connections easier to understand by breaking them into a readable system. I learned how axonometric drawings bridge the gap between technical accuracy and spatial perception.
Load Transfer
Analyzing force transfer made me realize how loads travel through the structure in a continuous path. I learned how forces move from the roof through the spine and into the supports and ground. This gave me a clearer understanding of how structural logic ensures both stability and efficiency.
Mass Distribution
Studying mass distribution taught me how weight is not uniform but strategically concentrated across the structure. I understood how different elements carry varying loads depending on their position and role. This helped me see the building as a balanced system rather than a collection of parts.
End wall model
Making the end wall section model helped me translate a two-dimensional drawing into a physical understanding of structure. I learned how different layers come together to form a stable and cohesive system. The process made me more aware of scale, thickness, and proportion in real space. It also showed me how connections between elements are critical for both strength and clarity. By physically assembling the model, I could better understand how loads are supported and transferred. Overall, the model helped me grasp the relationship between structure, form, and construction in a more tangible way.