Climate Pledge Arena - Trauma-informed design in schools School ventilation strategies for a pandemic How progressive design-build is changing the ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce
Climate Pledge Arena
October 28, 2021
Page 2 CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
Setting new marks for sustainability,
innovation, fan experience
Populous’ design centered around revitalizing the landmark arena, honoring its original 1960s design intent while activating and enhancing a pedestrian-
focused plan.
T
he team from global footprint of the original build-
The arena’s moniker enlists the facility in The Climate Pledge, committing design firm Populous was ing; attract the highest profile
signatories to net zero carbon across their businesses by 2040. approached with this chal- corporate sponsors and brands
lenge: Take Seattle’s historic from the Pacific Northwest;
1960s Century 21 Coliseum, a infuse the experience with the
registered latest technology and digital dis-
landmark plays, both inside and outside;
locally and design it to be the most sustain-
federally, and able arena in the world; design
transform it it to be authentically Seattle;
into the indus- and get all this approved by
try’s leading both the local and federal land-
sports and live marks boards.
entertainment Easy, right? Well, the odds
arena. were stacked against us, but
By GEOFF CHEONG Here’s what last week, Populous’ newest
that involved: designed arena was unveiled
Populous Fit a 17,000- to the world.
seat seating bowl under the Climate Pledge Arena is a
historic roof (which sits only transformational project and
20 feet above the ground at one of the most significant
the corners) and place it within private investments in Pacific
Image courtesy Climate Pledge Arena the compact 360-foot-square Northwest sports and enter-
WE’RE ON YOUR TEAM!
When you work with Star Rentals, you add
powerful players to your project team–pros that
are skilled, knowledgeable, and easy to work with.
Star Rentals employees are the most experienced in
the industry. From our extensive training and safety
programs to our equipment expertise, you can count
on us to deliver the goods. We make sure you get
fast, responsive service, and headache-free billing.
Do we think it’s important to be a team player?
Absolutely.
100+ Years of Outstanding Service.
Star Rentals is the oldest, largest and most reliable
independent rental company in the Pacific Northwest.
Bellevue • Bremerton • Eugene • Everett • Ferndale • Hillsboro • Kent • Longview • Olympia
www.starrentals.com Pasco • Portland • Salem • Seattle • Spokane • Tacoma • Vancouver • Wenatchee • Yakima
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021
CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA Page xx3
tainment history. As archi-
tect of record, Populous was The arena’s ice is created from
engaged by owner and devel- rainwater harvested from the roof.
oper Oak View Group and the
city of Seattle to transform the
former Coliseum (more recent-
ly KeyArena) into an entirely
new live entertainment experi-
ence boasting industry-leading
innovation, sustainability and
fan experience.
Located in Seattle’s Uptown
neighborhood and on the west-
ern edge of Seattle Center,
the arena serves as the home
venue for the National Hockey
League’s Seattle Kraken and the
Women’s National Basketball
Association’s Seattle Storm.
A multifunctional venue by
design, Climate Pledge Arena
will also host many concerts
and other events year-round,
with a seating capacity for up
to 18,600.
Climate Pledge Arena offers
many “firsts” and unique
aspects. The arena’s moniker
enlists the facility in The Climate
Pledge, committing signatories
to net zero carbon across their
businesses by 2040. Climate
Pledge Arena is also poised to
become the world’s first Inter-
national Living Future Institute-
certified zero carbon arena.
A major challenge throughout
construction was preservation
of the 59-year-old historic roof
atop the former KeyArena. All
new construction required the Image from Populous
roof — designed by Paul Thiry,
the father of architectural mod- it was necessary to dig 16 feet mark arena, honoring its origi- Arena preserves the character- The historic glass curtainwall
ernism in the Pacific Northwest deeper than the previous 1995 nal 1960s design intent while defining features of the origi- was disassembled, catalogued
— be temporarily suspended renovation that bottomed out at activating and enhancing a nal building, including the glass and stored during construc-
above the site. To increase the 38 feet below ground level, and pedestrian-focused plan. The curtainwalls, roof and roof sup- tion. After the original lead
size of the arena to 750,000 significantly expand the below- original building was a flat-floor, port structure, and restores the paint was abated, the curtain-
square feet — approximately grade building footprint in all column-free pavilion with an original relationship between wall steel frames were refin-
twice the size of the former directions. entirely glass facade allowing building and surrounding pla- ished, then reassembled to
venue — and give the venue Populous’ design centered visitors to see inside. Populous’ zas that was altered in the prior
360-degree pedestrian access, around revitalizing the land- redesign for Climate Pledge KeyArena renovation. NEW MARKS — PAGE 7
INSIDE
The remodel retained the historic roof designed by Paul Thiry.
Setting new marks for sustainability, innovation, fan experience - - - - - - 2
What it took to build the ‘greenest’ arena ever - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5
Transforming Seattle’s historic KeyArena - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8
Reimagined precinct brings back World’s Fair magic - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10
ON THE COVER
Climate Pledge Arena opened Oct. 19 with a benefit concert by Foo
Fighters and Death Cab for Cutie. The $1.15 billion project was finished
after nearly three years of construction. Photo by John Merganz
Climate Pledge Arena team
Section editor: Benjamin Minnick • Section design: Jeffrey Miller
Web design: Lisa Lannigan • Advertising: Matt Brown
Image courtesy Climate Pledge Arena
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021
Page 4 CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
Seattle Daily Journal of CommerCe
• Construction reporting
The most useful resource for • Jobs out to bid
Northwest businesses • Contracts awarded
Locally-owned, the DJC has been serving the • Upcoming Projects
construction community for over 100 years. • Sub-bids Wanted
Publishing Six days a week, the DJC covers • Rosters
areas of construction, architecture, engineering, • Fed Bizops
consulting, commercial real estate, government, • Building Permits
urban planning and law. And More!
Many options for you to choose from, the most popular are...
Online $210 annual Online $440 annual AND FOR PLANS…
Consultant Package All Access Package
Stories and Public Notices plus Everything in Consulting, Online $325 down plus
all architectural, engineering Construction and Real Estate an additional $50 per
and other professional ser- Packages, plus new statewide month plan view charge
vices projects, RFPS, proposals business licensing, bankruptcy
opened and awards data. PLANCENTER.COM
Access to plans and spec
Online $350 annual In print $220 annual books and much more!
Construction Package NEWSPAPER DELIVERY
Stories, Public Notices, plus all All access only in print
construction contracting projects,
RFPS, bids opened and awards
To get access to all this online, in print, or both
PLUS online plans from PlanCenter.com
Visit WWW.DJC.COM
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021
CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA Page xx5
Over 1,100 craft workers put in 9,000 hours
a day during the height of construction.
Photos from Mortenson
What it took to build the ‘greenest’ arena ever
Mortenson had to pivot 15 months into construction, when plans changed to create the world’s first net-zero-carbon arena.
A
s we counted down to roof intact — has been one of sive, responsible, and sustain- to change the original design tle City Light and Seattle Center,
opening day of Climate Mortenson’s most challenging able arena in the world — the from gas to electric. Since the a key element to successfully
Pledge Arena on Oct. 22, and rewarding undertakings. Mortenson team had already arena runs solely on electricity making this transition.
people around the region were As if this alone wasn’t enough been under construction with for daily operations — and has Important changes were
excited to welcome live music, of a challenge, a whole new bar the original design for more the first all-electric dehumidi- made at the procurement
National Hockey League’s was set when Jeff Bezos from than 15 months. fication system in the NHL — and fabrication stage, and the
Seattle Kraken and Women’s Amazon posted on Instagram In order to keep our com- Mortenson had to change con- custom electrical equipment
National Basketball Associa- in June 2020: “I’m excited to mitment of quickly delivering struction planning for natural production merged with the
tion’s Seattle Storm to Seat- announce that Amazon has the arena by October (in an gas to electrical systems. From project’s aggressive schedule.
tle. But few purchased the naming rights already-challenging setting), kitchen systems and conces- One of the most challenging
people know to the historic Seattle arena the team had to fast-track sus- sions to air handling units and aspects of switching gas to
what it took to previously known as KeyArena. tainability elements to meet building conditioning, all sys- electric was the food service
build the first Instead of calling it Amazon the goals of offsetting 100% tems are served by electrical equipment. While commercial
International Arena, we’re naming it Climate of the energy used to operate energy instead of natural gas — electrical boilers and water
Living Future Pledge Arena as a regular the building — while disclosing resulting in the facility venting heaters are more commonly
Institute- reminder of the urgent need and off-setting all the embod- zero combustion gases into the available, operating food ser-
certified net- for climate action. It will be the ied carbon emissions associ- atmosphere. Even the Zamboni vice concession equipment
zero-carbon first net zero carbon certified ated with the construction and is electric powered. entirely with electrical compo-
arena in the arena in the world, generate materials, as well — in record Changing out the plan for gas nents was almost unheard of
By CHRIS ALLEN world. zero waste from operations time. distribution piping to electri- — and sourcing these specialty
Mortenson Being cho- and events, and use reclaimed cal substations, which signifi- items that didn’t yet have com-
sen by Oak rainwater in the ice system to cantly increases demand for mercial demand required long
View Group, a Seattle public- create the greenest ice in the
100% RENEWABLE ENERGY the amount of electricity com- lead times that had to be fac-
private partner and developer, NHL. #ClimatePledge.” Climate Pledge Arena is the ing into the building, required tored into the overall schedule.
to redevelop Climate Pledge When Amazon bought the first arena in the world pow- more electrical equipment with Next, situating the additional
Arena into a brand-new, best- naming rights to Climate ered only by renewable energy, increased utility service. This electrical gear and transform-
in-world venue — all while Pledge Arena — with the idea which meant Mortenson had to called for critical early and fre-
keeping its historic landmarked of making it the most progres- conduct a major redesign effort quent collaboration with Seat- GREENEST ARENA — PAGE 6
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021
Page 6 CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
GREENEST ARENA
continued from page 5
ers presented a real conun- site retention tanks reducing worth noting that more than
drum with space utilization. stormwater runoff, and using 6,000 people have performed
Mortenson and the design team electrical boilers for domestic work at the arena in the three
needed to determine where the water (for handwashing and years it took to build, and at the
equipment was going to live. drinking), and water bottle fill- height of construction we had
The entire construction and ing stations throughout the more than 1,100 craft work-
design team needed to find the arena. ers working 9,000 hours in a
best location that was cost- and day — that’s more than four
schedule-efficient and required HARNESSING SOLAR ENERGY equivalent worker years in
the least amount of rework. The every day.
team narrowed and evaluated Photovoltaics were another The amount of coordina-
three sets of options for optimal issue to be addressed. Due to tion necessary to successfully
locations, positions, and con- Climate Pledge Arena’s historic complete this groundbreak-
figuration to best fit the facility’s status, the team couldn’t install ing project demanded that the
program. solar panels on the arena’s construction and design team
iconic existing roof — howev- use several tools to ensure
HARVESTING RAINWATER er, on-site solar arrays were design, construction and
placed at the venue’s associated marketing efforts dovetailed The new arena is served by a 25-foot-wide tunnel, which
Overall water usage is criti- aspects: a newly built atrium in together to create a seamless provides enough room for two passing semi-trucks.
cal to limiting energy use and front of the arena, an adjacent project delivery.
sustainability goals. Climate parking garage, and a training Mortenson used 4D build-
Pledge Arena harvests rainwa- facility in Northgate (that facility ing information modeling as a while tracking procurement, top-down collaboration, and digi-
ter from its iconic roof, stores it has a separate load of around basis for multi-trade coordi- upcoming tasks, and complet- tal tools to simulate the built envi-
in a 15,000-gallon, below-grade 2 megawatts). Panels at the nation and scheduling — and ed work. Using the 4D model, ronment — it proves that even big,
cistern and filters it as needed atrium roof are flush-mounted the entire building was con- the mechanical, electrical, complex projects that have a lot
for the first “rain-to-rink sys- next to large skylights, which structed virtually to aid with plumbing and fire protection of physical infrastructure (in this
tem.” This innovative system allow incredible daylighting into major trade system coordina- systems were modeled to not case an 800,000-square-foot
will capture and purify enough the multi-story space outside tion. For instance, the team only assist in clash detection arena with 18,000-plus seats!)
rainwater annually for more the arena bowl. The parking completed a laser scan of the (field installation coordina-
than seven times the volume of existing roof and structure to can (and should) use climate-
garage features canopy solar tion) but also in prefabrica-
water required for the arena’s at its rooftop level. overlay design and construc- tion efforts. friendly energy sources to reduce
ice sheet — and will maintain tion planning to integrate carbon emissions.
the “greenest” ice in the NHL. THE IMPORTANCE OF TECH new work with original. The CARBON NEUTRAL ARENAS
Other water-saving systems steel team used the model to Chris Allen, DBIA, LEED AP
include waterless urinals and While this article only covers track fabrication and instal- Climate Pledge Arena is a big (BD+C), was Mortenson’s
low-flush fixtures, ultra-effi- a portion of what it took to lation tasks, and color coding step towards a sustainable future MEP executive for the Climate
cient showers, significant on- build Climate Pledge Arena, it’s was used to aid schedulers — and through intense teamwork, Pledge Arena project.
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021
CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA Page xx7
new marks
continued from page 3
match the historic condition. Seattle Center from the west. will be no fossil fuel consump- Unlike any other arena video ing, which was to showcase
On the arena’s north end, the Sixty-seven mature Lon- tion in the arena for daily use. display, Climate Pledge Arena futuristic ideas and exhibits as
curtainwall engages the seat- don Plane trees that also hold All facility mechanical, heating, features the industry’s first part of the “World of Tomor-
ing bowl, celebrating views to landmark status from the 1962 dehumidification and cooking dual suspended scoreboards. row” theme of the World’s Fair.
the north plaza through this World’s Fair have been pre- systems were converted to all- Behind this new design lies a Together, alongside our part-
historic cathedral window, and served around the perimeter electric systems. A “rainwater- thorough analysis of on-ice and ners at Oak View Group and the
blurring the boundary between of the site. The trees maintain to-ice” system has been imple- on-court action for hockey and city of Seattle, we have created
interior and exterior. a massive canopy and connect mented to harvest Seattle rain- basketball, spectator and ath- the world’s best live entertain-
At street level, containing the the dense neighborhood to the water from the historic roof, lete sightlines, and flexibility for ment building. By marrying an
new arena under the existing expansive Seattle Center cam- collect it in an underground cis- shows and concerts. The result intentional process of preserv-
roof and within the historic cur- pus with a broad, shaded pedes- tern, then purify it for use in ice is a pair of distinctly shaped ing and celebrating an iconic
tainwalls allows the site to be trian corridor. They also provide resurfacing machines to create video displays that places video Seattle landmark with industry-
transformed into a 360-degree a visual buffer along the edges of the “greenest ice” in the NHL. content in an ideal location for leading venue design, Climate
urban pedestrian park in the the site, allowing the expansive Solar panels are integrated on spectators and improves the Pledge Arena is the new bench-
heart of the city. The site is uni- historic roof to sit humbly within the new entry atrium and adja- atmosphere and connection mark.
versally accessible throughout the Uptown neighborhood. cent existing parking garage, between fans on opposite sides
and has no operational “back Climate Pledge Arena certain- and these combined with off- of the seating bowl. Setting this Geoff Cheong is an architect
door,” vastly improving on the ly lives up to its name, setting a site renewable energy sources forward-thinking design inno- and principal at Populous, and
previous condition and promot- new standard for sustainable will help the venue achieve its vation under the historic roof served as lead project designer
ing a new green gateway into design and operations. There zero-carbon certification. honors the legacy of the build- for Climate Pledge Arena.
CARPENTERS
BUILD
EVERYTHING
INCLUDING SEATTLE’S NEW
CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
Union carpenters have access to:
On-the-job Family wages
training and benefits
Debt-free
education Worker rights
Professional Free college
mentorship accredited courses
Unique career Equal pay for
pathways equal work
Learn more online at nwCarpenters.org
@nwcarpenters TF/mr:opeiu#11-afl-cio
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021
Page 8 CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
Transforming Seattle’s historic KeyArena
Designing and constructing a new steel-framed arena below a temporarily supported roof and around a temporary perimeter shoring was much like building
a ship in a bottle.
Transforming KeyArena into the new Climate Pledge Arena required the near-total demolition
of the old structure and construction of a new one while keeping the roof and facade intact.
By MATTHEW & BRIAN
FARBER MORGEN
Thornton Tomasetti
T
he Seattle Center Coli-
seum has a long history
of hosting major sports
and cultural events. Origi-
nally constructed for the 1962
Seattle World’s Fair, the venue
served as home to the Seattle
SuperSonics basketball team
for more than 40 years and
played host to everything from
one of the Beatles’ final stage
performances to the NBA All-
Star Game.
Renovated and rebranded
in 1995 as KeyArena, it has
seen its ups and downs over
the years, including the loss
of the Sonics franchise. But
the arena’s latest transforma- Images from Thornton Tomasetti
tion is truly one for the books.
After an extensive renovation
Project
A new catwalk and rigging grid are
and expansion, Climate Pledge supported from the existing roof.
Arena is a state-of-the-art ven-
ue worthy of the city’s newest
sports team, the Seattle Krak-
en. The new 800,000-square-
foot, below-grade arena holds
Team
more than 17,000 fans for Owner:
hockey, basketball, concerts, Oak View Group
and other events, along with
a new below-grade parking Owner’s representative:
garage and tunnel to access CAA Icon
the loading dock.
As concertgoers and Seattle Architect:
Kraken hockey fans filled the Populous
arena for the first time last
week, they likely appreciated Structural engineer:
its new look, amenities, and Thornton Tomasetti
high-tech features without giv-
ing much thought to the work Construction manager:
that went into it. Oak View Mortenson
Group’s renovation of the are-
na presented several complex
challenges for the architect
Populous and structural and ing and approximately 3,000
construction engineer Thorn- seats. Two decades later, addi-
ton Tomasetti. tional upgrades were needed to
To truly understand the feats meet or exceed other NHL and
of architecture and engineer- NBA facilities.
ing required to complete this
one-of-a-kind transformation
requires knowing a little history
THE CHALLENGE
and background. The original In fall 2017, KeyArena was
venue was built at-grade (plaza/ classified by the Seattle Land- To achieve the project goals tion playbook for solutions. 400-by-400-foot historic roof
street level) with a capacity to marks Preservation Board as a and increase the building foot- Most notable among these was structure above.
host up to 13,200 spectators. local landmark. This distinction print beyond the exterior cur- determining how to demolish
The 1995 renovation lowered required that the Paul Thiry- tainwall at the plaza level, the the existing structure and exca- PRESERVING A LANDMARK
the event floor elevation by designed roof, curtainwall and project team not only had to vate 680,000 cubic yards of
approximately 38 feet and add- exterior concrete elements be dig deep below the landmarked soil to make space for a new The ability to support the
ed amenities, such as conces- preserved as part of Oak View existing roof, but it also had below-grade arena, all while existing roof while work went
sion stands and club-level seat- Group’s plans for the arena. to dig deep into the construc- temporarily supporting the on below drove nearly all fac-
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA Page xx9
ets of the project’s design and
construction. The original roof A view of the project from the south end of the site, showing the
was supported vertically by 20 existing roof fully supported by a temporary shoring structure.
concrete Y-shaped columns on
shallow foundations spaced
approximately 60 feet apart
around its perimeter. The lat-
eral loads, from seismic and
wind, were resisted by a tripod
of sloping concrete legs at the
center of each side, serving as
a buttress aligned to the roof’s
steel arch truss.
TEMPORARY ROOF SUPPORT
Since the foundations sup-
porting the existing 44 million-
pound historic roof would be
undermined by the excavation
for the new event level, a tem-
porary roof support (TRS) sys-
tem would need to support the
vast majority of the roof’s grav-
ity load as well as resist wind
and seismic lateral forces dur-
ing construction. Essentially,
the roof would need to tempo-
rarily float above the construc-
tion site while the excavation
and construction of the new
below-grade seating bowl went ing above the seating bowl approach to solving challenges. Bringing a local landmark into and entertainment venue.
on below. The 3,700-ton tempo- is supported by two trusses All stakeholders, including the the modern era is no simple
rary steel framing for the TRS spanning 275 feet between owner, architect, engineer, con- task, especially when all of Matthew Farber, PE, SE, is a
was fabricated and installed the new steel-framed elevator struction manager, and steel Seattle is watching. And while principal at Thornton Toma-
by LeJeune Steel and Danny’s cores. The elevator core tow- contractor, provided timely input it may look familiar from the setti. Brian Morgen, Ph.D., PE,
Construction, the same team ers also support the existing and feedback to produce innova- outside, make no mistake that SE, LEED AP, is vice president
that would construct the new corner roof trusses to facili- tive, practical, constructable, and Climate Pledge Arena is an and Seattle office director with
arena. The TRS included shor- tate the removal of existing cost-effective solutions. entirely new world-class sports Thornton Tomasetti.
ing pipes that were socketed corner columns. Slide bear-
some 85 feet below existing ings were provided between
grade to support and maintain the new elevator core steel
the integrity of the roof during and the existing roof structure
MORE
construction. to seismically isolate the roof
from the new bowl structure
below.
SHIP IN A BOTTLE In addition to seismic ret-
Designing and construct- rofits to the roof, other mea-
ing a new steel-framed arena sures included strengthening
below the temporarily sup- the steel roof trusses and their
ported roof and around the connections to bring them up
temporary perimeter shoring to current code requirements
was much like building a ship and supporting the additional
in a bottle. The arena, which
is the first net-zero-carbon-
certified venue in the world,
loading of the new structure.
The roof is now able to support
two 30-ton video boards along
with hoisting equipment, a new
RESOURCES.
consists of a new event level 15
feet below the existing under-
sized event floor elevation, four
complete arena levels at and
below the surrounding grade
catwalk, and rigging grid with
100 tons of rigging capacity
to accommodate modern con-
cert touring and award shows.
TRAINING.
(upper concourse, suite level,
main concourse and mechani-
cal mezzanine), and two levels
above the surrounding grade.
A STRONG TEAM
In sports, you need a strong
WORK.
All levels extend to or beyond team and an effective strategy
the perimeter of the existing to be the best. The same can be
roof. said for complex projects like
On the west side of the arena, Climate Pledge Arena, which
a new press-level bridge float- necessitated an integrated
Searching spec books has never been easier.
Plancenter covers the Great Northwest with
projects located in Washington, Idaho, BUILD YOUR BUSINESS at
Oregon and Alaska. Northwest-impact.com
PlanCenter.com
Send us your plans, we’ll post them.
PU B L I C AGENC I ES P O S T F O R F R E E
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021Page 10 CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
Reimagined precinct brings back World’s Fair magic
The project makes the western edge of Seattle Center whole again, with sloped planes offering multiple paths through generous plazas and gardens.
By BARBARA & GARETH
SWIFT LOVERIDGE
Swift Company
T
he transformation of
Climate Pledge Arena
embodies the very best of
stewardship and civic commit-
ment to the community. Seattle
and Oak View Group have act-
ed and implemented a vision!
The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair
landmark is transformed as an
18,100-person venue under its
great parabolic roof.
The magic of the World’s Fair
is back with plazas wrapping
the restored glass walls of the
arena. You, too, can take plea-
sure in seeing in and through
the arena facade, leaving your
mark with a nose print! The Plazas wrap the restored glass walls of the arena.
northern glass wall lets you
view both — in from the plaza
above, and out from the seating Photos by Gareth Loveridge
bowl to the landscape beyond
— a true reimagining of Paul easily find their way and wan- relax — you should feel as if the 1960s coupled with the addition the heat island effect, increase
Thiry’s arena in the classic der as they like. whole place was designed as of over 170 new trees will dou- air moisture, support habitat
Northwest tradition. This objective maximizes the one with seamless transitions ble the long-term tree canopy and sequester carbon. Using
Seattle’s community “heart,” site for intuitive circulation and between old and new. This is of the site. This will mitigate the street for multiple activities
the Seattle Center campus, has gathering, instead of losing the challenge of transforming
more space for the over 1,400 precious space to stairs and legacy civic spaces, and the
events it hosts per year. The ramps. Where stairs and walls project embraced the chal-
arena plazas create a multitude occur, they’re used to create lenge of making this western
of gathering spaces for events, overlooks for people watch- edge of Seattle Center whole
people watching, and the cel- ing and gathering nooks. With again. The result is what makes
ebration of community life — careful grade manipulation, Seattle Center Seattle’s heart.
including the Seattle Storm and ADA access is ubiquitous, and The design creates the stage
the new home team, the Kraken. barriers are removed. Places for the daily life of the city, and
The surrounding communities that are easy to use and where a central meeting place of cel-
of Queen Anne, Belltown and you can focus on people and ebration and ritual — a place
South Lake Union, with their activities instead of where to of demonstration and protest.
commitment to increased den- move your feet make for a more This is what stewarding the
sity, now have generous plazas generous place. This is good past for the future is all about.
and gardens of all sizes for the for the full community, creating How does this happen? It
intimate moments of daily life. comfortable places to stop and requires vision, commitment,
This western precinct of linger with a commitment to conviction and dogged hard
Seattle Center is reimagined, leveling the playing field for all. work. It takes a nimble team
extending the campus grounds The arena precinct is a place committed to a vision with the
to the streets and sidewalks. of magic and memory com- will to make it real.
The design recaptures the full prised of the great legacy Plane It takes a team committed to Proud Partners in the
site for public use — replacing trees that envelop the site, the building smart green strategies
the loading and service areas reimagined DuPen Fountain and optimizing the opportunity Successful Completion of the
with public spaces full of trees, (opening in 2022), the North- of a project of this scale. The Climate Pledge Arena
seating, leaning walls and areas west Rooms with their collec- subtle use of rainwater sheet-
to linger. tion of critical community orga- ing into tree wells and gardens
In Seattle, topography can be nizations (like KEXP, VERA and captures and optimizes what
a barrier and a central objective SIFF), and the arena itself, with will be precious water in the BUILDING ENCLOSURE SPECIALISTS
of maximizing ease of access. many new publicly accessible future. Approximately 50%
This drove a core design strat- art installations. Each is part of of the 1-acre plantings are on Building Performance | Sustainability
egy, creating a level platform at a larger composition and inte- structure and the capture of
the arena entry level. The rei- grated into the site design with rainwater in garden areas puts
magined site ties into the sur- the goal of treating each piece the water to great use. This is a 600 Stewart Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98101
rounding city and center with with equal importance and as high impact and low-cost move. seattle@morrisonhershfield.com
sloped planes offering multiple part of a larger whole. This is The rigorous protection and
paths through generous plazas what good design should do. maintenance of the spectacu-
and gardens, allowing people to When you visit — stop and lar legacy Plane trees from the
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA Page 11
xx
including festivals means the
streets (29% of the city) serve Legacy Plane trees from the 1960s will be joined with over 170
new trees to eventually double the site’s tree canopy.
more than just cars. These sim-
ple big and small moves are
critical for our future.
Working in a place which is
sacred to the city and its his-
tory requires careful work.
The consistent and thought-
ful attention to historic land-
marks and working with the
city of Seattle Department of
Neighborhoods Landmark
Preservation Board and
Design Commission means
that the integrity of the arena,
the DuPen Fountain and the
overall site is retained and
upgraded.
For the DuPen Fountain, it
means Everett DuPen’s origi-
nal intention of creating a
touchable place that speaks to
the importance of science and
the source of life carries for-
ward in the future. It means
that the 1962 experience of
walking up to the windows of
the arena for direct human
access is recreated. It means
that the artwork panels by
Paul Thiry are preserved and
integrated and that the great grounds in the evening, the on the DuPen sculptures and Center — the making of com- is the principal–in-charge and
tree alignments designed by arena is a beacon with peo- light will glisten on wet paving. munity. lead landscape designer for
Richard Haag continue as part ple strolling, gathering for The constant changing events Climate Pledge Arena. Gareth
of Seattle’s urban forest. pregame events, listening to of Seattle Center will invite you Barbara Swift, FASLA, Hon. Loveridge is the project man-
Equally, the future is brought buskers, all in a precinct with to join your larger communi- AIA, is the founder of Swift ager and lead for landscape
to play, continuing Seattle’s an open feeling creating a ty and enjoy the spectacular Company and has built a prac- design for the arena, and has
groundbreaking tradition of place of generosity in the city. events in the arena. This is the tice focused on the public realm 22 years of experience in land-
integrating public art into our On a summer afternoon, the vision of the reimagined Cli- and the development of civic scape architecture and urban
civic spaces, each speaking great legacy trees and their mate Pledge Arena in Seattle spaces serving community. She design.
with a different voice, reflect- younger partners will offer
ing the diversity of the com- shade and respite. Children
munity. will continue the 60-year-old
In the end, the experience tradition of leaping in DuPen
should feel so logical and Fountain. Music will pour out of
apparent as to seem natural KEXP and evening SIFF movies
and whole. When you walk will occur on the plaza. On win-
through the Seattle Center ter mornings, frost will gather
Public spaces have seating, leaning walls and areas to linger.
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021Page 12 CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
How do you engineer
the makeover of
a Seattle landmark?
Design temporary Raise the roof to
supports for a 44-million- allow a 600,000-cubic-
pound seismically yard excavation
upgraded historic roof
Apply advanced analysis Deliver intelligent
for performance-based models on-time and
seismic design on-budget with Advanced
Project Delivery (APD)™
Offices Worldwide
1500 4th Ave. Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98101
+1.206.336.4100
Th o rnto nTo m a sett i .co m
SEATTLE DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021You can also read
