Modernizing a National Landmark to a World-Class, Multi-Purpose Venue
How GDI Ainsworth building system upgrades enhanced both operations and the guest experience at BC Place
Project Details
Location
Vancouver, Canada
Number of Buildings
1 - 460,000 ft² stadium
System Implemented
Complete HVAC and DDC redesign, centralized BMS, lighting retrofit, exhaust systems, heat pumps, radiant panels, infrared field temperature monitoring, and natural ventilation controls
Project Goal
Upgrade and modernize BC Place’s outdated control systems to support Olympic operations, improve environmental control, and revitalize the stadium for long-term use
Project Duration
Major renovation period leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics
Impact at a Glance
Delivered a full HVAC and BMS overhaul for a 24-year-old stadium preparing to host the 2010 Winter Olympics
Enabled targeted, zone-based environmental control across the entire venue
Centralized monitoring and scheduling of previously isolated building systems
Enhanced guest comfort and operational efficiency for large-scale events
Challenge
BC Place required a complete modernization of its outdated building control systems to meet the demands of hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. The transformation fundamentally changed the building’s operating design—from a positively pressurized, air-supported dome to a more traditional structure—necessitating a full redesign of the HVAC and DDC systems. The scale of the venue, complexity of the systems, and visibility of the project left no room for failure.
Methodology
Conducted a comprehensive redesign of HVAC and DDC systems to support the stadium’s structural transformation
Replaced legacy systems with a centralized, integrated BMS platform
Coordinated large-scale retrofits across common areas, concessions, field systems, and seating areas
Integrated third-party BACnet controllers to unify diverse equipment under one control interface
Implemented advanced sensing and control strategies to balance performance, efficiency, and comfort
Solution
Complete overhaul of HVAC and DDC systems across the stadium
Design and implementation of a centralized BMS for hospital-wide monitoring
Installation of a new exhaust system for common areas and concessions
Full lighting retrofit to modernize venue operations
Deployment of dozens of new heat pumps and hundreds of radiant panels
Installation of an infrared field temperature monitoring system with zone-based heater staging
Integration of 4,600+ DDC points across 303 DDC panels
Centralized control of previously isolated systems through a single BMS interface
Implementation of targeted scheduling and independent control for all stadium zones
Installation of natural ventilation controls using automated roof louvres
Integration of real-time weather sensors measuring wind speed, direction, and rain detection
The Ripple Effect
Elevated BC Place into a premier venue capable of hosting world-class sporting and entertainment events
Improved energy efficiency through natural ventilation and targeted control strategies
Enhanced guest experience through consistent, responsive environmental conditions
