Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1199871
CEnter ice Q&A with a rink professional 54 / JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2020 USICERINKS.COM PHOTOS: RANDY LIEBERG // You're a newly minted CIRM—what was your favorite class? As challenging as it was, I'd have to say BAR (Basic Arena Refrigeration). I am fas- cinated by how things work, and you can't get much more complicated in an ice rink than the refrigeration system. I use the reference materials at least weekly. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I have been known to copy the blank plant diagram and fill it in to stay sharp. // Instead of working in rinks, you're designing them. Any insights you picked up taking our classes? I was designing facilities long before taking USIRA classes, and I found myself asking the refrigeration engineers "how" and "why" quite frequently. I thought it would make sense to dive into training so when clients ask me the "how" and "why", I would know more than the basics. Each time the course introductions were made and I explained what I do, I would have classmates come up and say, "It is so cool that you are taking the time to do this." If I'm going to design spaces that a resurfacer needs to operate within, I had better know firsthand how that machine and operator must fit. // Any exciting projects that you're working on? I am fortunate that I get to work on every level of ice rink and arena, from commu- nity rinks to NHL facilities. My favorite is college rinks. I know how much I loved the local collegiate arena when I was a kid, and it's special to be able to help create better rinks for the next generations of players and fans. For instance, the new Robson Arena at Colorado College is being developed with a high level of energy efficiency, and the client has been very interested in an energy-neutral building that essentially produces as much energy as it consumes. And at Sacred Heart University we have an unbelievable site where we are open- ing up the whole north side of the rink to natural light. It's going to be gorgeous. // What's one of your favorite facilities from an architectural standpoint? Hands down that would have to be Ingalls Rink at Yale. As an architecture student I saw that incredible swooping shape and really admired it. Being able to visit and be a part of that history, and have it be important to hockey and architec- ture is pretty cool. I can't wait to see a game there. I haven't been to Yost (in Michigan), but I plan to get there soon. // Any advice you want to give to rink owners on either a new build or upgrade? Carefully consider how the space is used by the main groups that use it—play- ers, spectators, and of course staff. If you skimp, it will be noticed. This doesn't mean it has to be fancy or overblown, it just needs to work well for everyone. Make the building easy to take care of. If your staff can do their job easily, patrons will notice. Win-win. Also, don't be afraid to create something awe-inspiring. We are surrounded by bland, confined buildings all the time and don't get the chance to spend time in places that are special as often as we used to. J Randy Lieberg Minneapolis, Minn. THIS DOESN'T MEAN IT HAS TO BE FANCY OR OVERBLOWN, IT JUST NEEDS TO WORK WELL FOR EVERYONE. PROFILE Name: Randy Lieberg Organization: JLG Architects Designation: AIA, CIRM Years in the Industry: 10