Pyongyang Ice Rink, 1981 With space for 6,000 spectators over four tiers, the ice rink is one of the most recognisable of the sporting structures in Pyongyang, said to be modelled on a “skater’s cap” – although none of the guides could quite explain what a skater’s cap is. More likely, its architects were inspired by Frederick Gibberd’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool (aka Paddy’s Wigwam) or Oscar Niemeyer’s Cathedral of Brasília

Photograph: Oliver Wainwright