The Vancouver Convention Centre West (VCCW), a green architectural masterpiece designed by LMN, has secured its place among the Top Ten Green Projects, an honour bestowed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE). This remarkable achievement highlights LMN’s commitment to sustainable architecture and environment-friendly design solutions, and they will be recognized for their dedication at the AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in New Orleans on May 12-14, 2011. The project brought together the creative minds at LMN, Musson Cattell Mackey, and DA Architects + Planners from Vancouver.

The COTE Top Ten Green Projects initiative, now in its 15th cycle, pays tribute to architectural projects that seamlessly incorporate natural systems and technology, while also contributing positively to their communities. It encourages environment-friendly practices such as repurposing existing structures, encouraging transit systems, sustainable site development, and the conservation of energy and water.

Mark Reddington, FAIA, the Design Partner at LMN, expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging it as a testament to Vancouver’s commitment to sustainability. The project succeeded in merging the building program, natural ecology, local culture, and urban context into a singular vision of sustainability.

The project presented a unique design challenge: constructing a 22-acre development at the juncture of urban life and the marine habitat. This design aimed to create a harmonious community experience, simultaneously encapsulating a building, an urban space, and an ecosystem.

Being the world’s first LEED Platinum convention center, the VCCW won acclaim for its forward-thinking design strategies that incorporated sustainable elements, bringing significant benefits to the broader community. These include:

*A sprawling six-acre living roof, the largest in Canada, covered with 400,000 native plants and grasses and home to 240,000 bees. This green roof serves as an insulator, regulating the exterior air temperature, contributing to stormwater usage, and aligning with the waterfront landscape ecosystem. The honey produced by the bees is utilized in the convention centre’s kitchen.

*Implementing design strategies leading to a 73% decrease in potable water consumption via low-volume flush and flow fixtures and achieving zero potable water use for irrigation through an onsite wastewater treatment plant. This plant treats 100% of the greywater and blackwater.

*A sea water heat pump system that uses the stable temperature of nearby seawater to provide cooling during warm periods and heating during cooler months.

*The creation of an artificial reef or underwater habitat skirt, which is integrated into the centre’s foundation, providing a thriving habitat for various marine species like barnacles, mussels, seaweed, starfish, and crabs.

*The development of over 130,000 square feet of new public spaces and pathways for walkers and bikers, enhancing public access to the waterfront, and offering new public plazas, festival spaces, and informal gathering areas.

*Featuring an ultra-clear structural glass skin on all sides, the convention center’s design fosters a sense of community by providing ample daylight and views, showcasing the vibrancy of Vancouver city and its waterfront.

*Energy-efficient radiant flooring used throughout the program spaces enhances air circulation without significant energy use. Prefunction areas boast an advanced system of air diffusers, interlaced in an air swirl pattern above the ceiling members. The west facade incorporates operable windows and doors with dampers at the roof soffit, allowing for natural ventilation under suitable conditions.

This impressive convention center in Vancouver is a shining example of architectural ingenuity, sustainability, and community integration.