The design for the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, China, presents a distinctive facade that celebrates the elegance, precision, pace and dynamics of speed skating. Known as the Ice Ribbon, it will host speed skating competitions during the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The design facilitates an intense arena atmosphere, with 22 light strands (or ribbons) flowing up and around the oval, cocooning it to a height of some 33.8 metres. This ‘shell’ secures a high level of visitor comfort and amenity. At night, the facade creates an exciting spectacle, with each of the strands becoming dynamic ribbons of light, able to change to an endless array of lighting programs. The 17-hectare site will include a 400-metre racing track with an ice surface created to world’s best standard. It will accommodate about 12,000 spectators positioned close to the action, with two underground levels for venue servicing and parking.