Trèfle-Blanc Ice Rink in Lancy: the winner of the architectural competition is unveiled

In order to define the image and characteristics of the future Geneva ice rink, which will meet the standards required for high-level ice hockey, the training of young talents and the optimal practice of ice sports, an architectural competition was organized. The project plans to build a main ice rink for 8,500 spectators and a secondary rink with 300 seats, scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. The winner of the architectural competition has been designated: it is the team of planners behind the project Le Nid des Aigles, led by the Geneva-based firm architech. All submitted projects are exhibited from March 20 to 28, 2024 at the Event Center of La Praille.

Chaired by the cantonal architect, the jury agreed that Le Nid des Aigles presents a remarkable balance, placing future users at the center of the project. Indeed, the ice rink is above all designed for operation. The strengths of the project, presented by the team composed of the Geneva-based firm architech, the Lyon-based firm Chabanne architecte, the engineering firms ingeni and wsp-BG, the landscape architecture firm Oxalis and the mobility engineering firm RR&A, notably include optimal safety, easy access for the public and people with reduced mobility, perfect visibility of the ice, numerous catering and hospitality areas, smooth circulation of the public within the ice rink and, ultimately, a zone dedicated to professional sport that meets all the needs of the resident ice hockey club, Genève-Servette Hockey Club.

In addition to guaranteeing high-quality spaces, the winning project also integrates the various specific features of the site in an optimal way. The Trèfle-Blanc site indeed offers numerous advantages: proximity to the city center, ideal accessibility by public transport and direct access to the motorway. Moreover, its urban composition will create a link desired by the cantonal authorities and the City of Lancy between the Lancy-Bachet sector and the other districts of the municipality of Lancy (Palettes, Chapelle-Gui).

As a gateway to the city and located near a major mobility axis for the canton, the Trèfle-Blanc sector will undergo a major transformation, representing an opportunity to develop a dynamic complex that will strengthen the links between municipalities and surrounding areas while meeting the needs of residents, particularly in terms of mobility. The need to rethink this area to adapt to evolving urban requirements has therefore been taken into account in the competition brief.

For all these reasons, the future ice rink, expected by the end of 2028, will establish itself as a reference infrastructure in Switzerland and in Europe.

An infrastructure respectful of our resources‍

The Trèfle-Blanc ice rink project also unequivocally follows a process of ecological transition respectful of our resources. Environmental and energy sustainability issues were taken into account in the selection of projects. Maximum use of on-site excavation materials will be prioritized, as well as the reduction of energy consumption. The project aims to achieve energy neutrality and to integrate solar photovoltaic installations. Compliance with very high energy performance standards is also required. It is with all these parameters that the candidates had to work.

The competition complied with SIA regulation 142, which governs architectural and engineering competitions, and followed a three-stage open procedure. Of the thirty-four submitted projects, the first stage focused on the site layout concept, particularly on the definition of external spaces, sustainability principles and the functional organization of the different components of the program. The second stage allowed for an in-depth analysis of operational aspects. A third refinement stage further developed the three most promising projects in order to designate the winning project.

Investment credit for construction

The coming months will be devoted to the development of the project in order to define the investment credit for the construction of the new ice rink, with a view to submitting a bill in 2025 to the Grand Council. This stage will take place in parallel with the ongoing assessment of the most appropriate operating model for the future facility.

For the cantonal executive, Mr. Thierry Apothéloz and Mr. Antonio Hodgers finally welcome the valuable and effective collaboration guiding the management of this project among all stakeholders. They welcome this important milestone reached today and look forward to the continuation of the project, alongside the authorities of the City of Lancy, the Genève-Servette Hockey Club and the winning architectural firm.

The exhibition presenting all submitted projects is open to the public at the Event Center of La Praille from March 20 to 28, 2024, according to the following schedule:

- March 20, 21 and 22, 2024 – from 10:00 to 18:00
- March 23 and 24, 2024 – from 10:00 to 17:00
- March 25, 26 and 27, 2024 – from 10:00 to 18:00
- March 28, 2024 – from 10:00 to 15:00

Annexes:

• Images of the winning project (please indicate the credit: Chabanne architecte/AER studio, with the caption: “Trèfle-Blanc Ice Rink” competition, Lancy - architec/Chabanne architecte/ingeni/wsp-BG/Oxalis/RR&A)
• Law 13007 of the Council of State opening a study credit of 11,700,000 francs, with a view to the construction of the Trèfle-Blanc ice rink in Lancy

For any additional information (for the media):

• DT: Mr. Francesco Della Casa, president of the jury, T. 079 359 63 69 (regarding the selection of the winner)
• DCS: Mr. Thierry Apothéloz, State Councillor, via Mr. Guillaume Renevey, Deputy Secretary General in charge of communication, T. 022 546 67 68 (regarding the new ice rink project file)