McGill University — McConnell Arena

The technicalities of reconstructing an ice rink slab

Architects

Artist

DFS Architecture & Design

Clients

McGill University

Year of completion

2025

Location

Montreal, Qc

Photographer

Sharif Mirshak

The major renovation project of the McConnell Arena, located on the McGill University campus in Montreal, includes the complete renovation of the skating rink slab and its refrigeration system. Thanks to the expertise acquired during similar projects, our team was able to propose adapted structural solutions, allowing this project to be successfully completed. As part of such an intervention on an existing building, site contingencies are almost inevitable. The ability to react quickly and effectively then becomes a key factor in staying on track on deadlines and set goals.In September 2025, after a year of closure and a major project, the McConnell Arena was able to reopen its doors and offer a quality skating rink to the University's sports teams.

Our work

Modeling & Promenade

Our materials define our ability to build the impossible

Visual storytelling

Un regard intime sur l'habitat communautaire transformé