“They’re hardcore hockey fans over there,” said North Vancouver architect Mark Hentze. “But they play outdoors, which is the crazy thing.” Hentze is now one of the principal architects working on final designs for the Steppe Arena – Mongolia’s first indoor rink where the national team will play.

The building site is less than three kilometers from Chinggis Khaan International Airport which the design draws inspiration from. The roof reflects the airfoil shape of a plane’s wing. It also slants to the south to maximize exposure for the solar heating cells that line the roof. When complete, it should be big enough for 2,600 screaming fans in bowl seating. And the facility will be adaptable for other sports, music and cultural events.