Narrative:
The Vancouver climate is quite mild, and the project is located over the harbor, providing cool air, and is generally shaded by tall towers to the south side. Early morning and afternoon sun are the solar challenges. The meeting room levels have significant glazing on all façades for the views and are protected by indoor motorized blinds on the east and west. Radiant piping in the floor absorbs the solar loads and provides heating in the winter to enhance comfort. Natural ventilation is provided on the west façade for low-occupancy times when the float plane noise will not be disturbing.
In spite of the glazed meeting levels, the convention center is interior load dominated, with the exhibition halls and meeting rooms. Free cooling economizers can provide cooling for most of the busy seasons for the convention center. The heating and cooling are provided by very high-efficiency seawater heat pumps powered by renewable hydroelectricity.
Bioclimatic Design
source: http://www.aiatopten.org