David Rockwell Designs a Striking Southampton Performance Pavilion That Will Double as a Skate Rink

We just received word that one of our favorite architects, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/photos-we-go-gaga-for-the-great-googamoogas-carnival-inspired-green-design/">David Rockwell</a>, is designing a brand new outdoor performing arts and cultural center in <a href="http://www.southamptontownny.gov/" target="_blank">Southampton</a>, New York. Made of recycled steel trusses and solar panel-covered glass, the 300-seat venue will be a beautiful addition to the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/alec-baldwin-wants-to-install-the-first-private-wind-turbine-in-the-hamptons/">Hamptons</a>, which is becoming <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/the-beach-box-is-the-first-hamptons-home-built-with-recycled-shipping-containers/">increasingly sustainable in terms of architecture</a>. The eye-catching circular pavilion is meant to be used all year-round, hosting fun family events like concerts, lectures and <a href="http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/13/pavilion-planned-for-new-arts-center-in-southampton-village/" target="_blank">outdoor movies</a> in the summer and doubling as an ice rink in the winter.

Rockwell's <a href="http://www.rockwellgroup.com/news/entry/rockwell-group-designing-new-southampton-center" target="_blank">pavilion</a> was originally slated to be a replacement performance center while the<a href="http://parrishart.org/" target="_blank"> Southampton Parish Art Museum</a> began a year-long construction period. However, the design was so outstanding, it was quickly upgraded to a place that will entertain and enlighten Hamptonites before, during, and long after the build.

The structure stands at 35 feet tall and 85 feet wide, with massive open air <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truss" target="_blank">archways</a> that will allow the summer breezes to blow through it. Thick red fabric curtains can also retract to protect visitors from the elements or ensure a quiet atmosphere for certain performances. The pavilion is slated to begin hosting events in the summer of 2013.