[Zassk]

have there been any projections made to determine what kind of shadows the roof is going to make on the playing field during an afternoon soccer/football game? i imagine center field will be bright, end zones dark?

I don't think the sun ever gets high enough in the sky in Vancouver for the sun to shine directly on the field...? The sun through the hole will shine on the stands most of the year, won't it?

[twoNeurons]

I don't think the sun ever gets high enough in the sky in Vancouver for the sun to shine directly on the field...? The sun through the hole will shine on the stands most of the year, won't it?

LockedIn's photo seems to imply something different.Some of my photos (https://picasaweb.google.com/dev.pics.1/Summer2011#5636112932506760290) from the weekend

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vm_8HFSk57c/Tjd-2cgM9GI/AAAAAAAAEas/Ev8er7D3-Y8/s1000/IMG_5323.jpg
Full Size (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vm_8HFSk57c/Tjd-2cgM9GI/AAAAAAAAEas/Ev8er7D3-Y8/IMG_5323.jpg)



The sun is highest during the Summer Equinox at the end of June... so I'd imagine that June and July will get a decent amount of Sun on the North end of the field.

[MJDDawg]

You can check out the interior web cam going back a month to get a sense of how much direct sunlight there is. Arbitrarily looking at noon on July 4th, the most direct sunlight the field ever gets covers about half the field and lower bowl (northwest side).

By the typical 7 pm game time, the only direct sunlight appears to be hitting the upper bowl on the east side. So unless there's an afternoon game, it looks like there really wont be any direct sunlight on the field.

[Zassk]

LockedIn's photo seems to imply something different.

Now add a shadow from the not-yet-installed roof, and what is still bathed in sunlight? Probably not much of the floor... and surely none by game time. Still, it will be nice even without direct sunlight.

[officedweller]

Thanks for the pics and info.

That explains the louvres and it looks like the double layer of roof fabric just goes to the catwalk.

WRT the 8 sections - BC Place is comprised of 8 separate structures connected by expansion joints (sort of like slices of a pie). They correspond to the 8 sets of ramps.

[officedweller]

Looks like they are testing a section of the retractable portion of the roof.

Yeah, looks great on both the interior and exterior webcams.

[Pinion]

It's looking better and better. Wish I went to the open house.

Now add a shadow from the not-yet-installed roof, and what is still bathed in sunlight? Probably not much of the floor... and surely none by game time. Still, it will be nice even without direct sunlight.

Game time for Whitecaps can be early. And direct sunlight on the field can be a bad thing if it's partial - cameras have a hard time adjusting constantly from light to dark patches and vice versa.

[twoNeurons]

Now add a shadow from the not-yet-installed roof, and what is still bathed in sunlight? Probably not much of the floor... and surely none by game time. Still, it will be nice even without direct sunlight.

Isn't the part of the roof that would create the shadow already installed behind the shot in that image?

[Zassk]

Isn't the part of the roof that would create the shadow already installed behind the shot in that image?

There will be a shadow all the way around covering most of the area that is currently open. In the pictures, more than half of the fixed roof is missing and sunlight is streaming in.

[Prometheus]

According to Warren Buckley (PAVCO CEO), the new BC Place will have 54,500 seats.

Source:

pTTz1uiGdLE

[EastVanMark]

:previous:
I sure as heck hope you are right but both Buckley & David Podmore have been flat out wrong on several occasions when describing facts about the stadium they operate. In the video he also mentions there are 55 boxes which would mean they have added 7 suites that were not there before. But again, it's hard to say given both of their performances over the years.

**however, it is important to note that he stated the field will be attached to the floor which means that the ugly jigsaw puzzle turf the stadium previously had will be no more:yes::thankyouthankyou: leaving a consistent looking field that will look great on TV**

[officedweller]

Of interest - the Minneapolis Metrodome replaced its roof with a new inflatable roof:
http://www.gostructural.com/news-the_minneapolis_metrodome_sports_a_new_roof_from_birdair__inc.-938.html

[Vancouver_Highrise]

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e114/peterWEST/bcplace.jpg

picture from my friends apartment!

[Innersoul1]

Vancouverites should be very proud of this beautiful stadium. It has really come along and the final product will be a jewel for the city without a doubt!

[jhausner]

Starting to look awesome. :cool: I've heard the interior and upgrades inside are also quite amazing.

[Smooth]

Last night I was on Beatty St. and noticed that they have installed a huge metal frame above the stadium entrances off of the Terry Fox memorial plaza. It looks to line up with Robson street. I suspect that it would be for a huge outdoor screen.

Has anyone heard anything about this being a possibility?

[jlousa]

BC Place roof throws a wrinkle into Canam's profits

http://www.journalofcommerce.com/article/id46157


Looks like Pavco didn't do so badly on the pricing afterall.

[dtrain]

Last night I was on Beatty St. and noticed that they have installed a huge metal frame above the stadium entrances off of the Terry Fox memorial plaza. It looks to line up with Robson street. I suspect that it would be for a huge outdoor screen.

Has anyone heard anything about this being a possibility?

I did read that there will in fact be a large video screen installed on this space.

[officedweller]

Yeah, someone posted earlier in this thread that there would be video screens at the foot of Robson (i.e. replacing the BCPlace logo that was prominently displayed before)

[officedweller]

BC Place roof throws a wrinkle into Canam's profits

http://www.journalofcommerce.com/article/id46157


Looks like Pavco didn't do so badly on the pricing afterall.

The beauty of a fixed price contract

[dreambrother808]

A before and after of the concession stands posted on Twitter by @BCPlace2011:

http://twitpic.com/64fr9h

http://twitpic.com/64friu

Looks great!

[djmk]

A before and after of the concession stands posted on Twitter by @BCPlace2011:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/370250693.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1313081677&Signature=Y4Shf0h0EDiRZazyrErKxjqfemE%3D
http://twitpic.com/64fr9h

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/370251030.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1313081772&Signature=QY0Vay6hHF7NPdy6DeBugfgo9g0%3D
http://twitpic.com/64friu

Looks great!

I dunno about great... but it does look better. I think there is only so much you can do with a cement bunker.

per web cam, it looks like 9 more panels until the roof is done and it looks like the last section of the retractable roof is going up.

50 more days!!

[officedweller]

And a pic of teh frame that will hold the video screens.
Each side of the frame looks wider than a section of seats.

http://twitpic.com/63hqto

[mrjauk]

Following up on some points made earlier in this thread regarding the amount of direct sunlight that the spectators will receive with the roof open, I've decided to capture a screen shot of the interior webcam and post it to my Flickr account.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33649407@N06/6033569685/in/photostream.png

P.S. I can't insert the link, so I've provided the URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33649407@N06/6033569685/in/photostream

[peterprinciple]

I sure don't wanna rain on anyone's parade but these images are available to anyone who has the BCPlace.com website using the webcams

[officedweller]

Ah, yes, but the twitter pic identifies what the frame is (as opposed to be an anonymous piece of steel on the floor).

[Smooth]

They are testing some of the light panels around the top of the stadium right now. I took a few pictures with my phone and will post them later if no-one gets any better shots.

[Prometheus]

They are testing some of the light panels around the top of the stadium right now. I took a few pictures with my phone and will post them later if no-one gets any better shots.

It appears from the webcam that one of the panels facing Smithe is lit right now: http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/construction.html#webcam

[Locked In]

My photos (https://picasaweb.google.com/104250476900282174023/Summer2011#5641092303394481346), from yesterday and this morning.

West side of BC Place - looks like the concourse on this side might be open to both levels:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bSEyX9qjPNI/Tkkvk2Ti7aI/AAAAAAAAEb8/Tw9y8hs0VQo/s1000/IMG-20110814-00026.jpg
Full Size (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bSEyX9qjPNI/Tkkvk2Ti7aI/AAAAAAAAEb8/Tw9y8hs0VQo/IMG-20110814-00026.jpg)

New video board at the foot of Robson:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EzWD6U7UEZc/TkkvkQUK-uI/AAAAAAAAEb4/tUHnFjgJQ-w/s1000/IMG-20110814-00027.jpg
Full Size (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EzWD6U7UEZc/TkkvkQUK-uI/AAAAAAAAEb4/tUHnFjgJQ-w/IMG-20110814-00027.jpg)

Here are some blurry BB photos of the illuminated panels, from this morning - the right panel was bright red, green and blue, and the left panel blue and red, none of which really show up in this photo of course.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ovL2jCct3wk/TkkvjXbaKsI/AAAAAAAAEbw/eIn_hb7hgrU/s1000/IMG-20110815-00029.jpg
Full Size (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ovL2jCct3wk/TkkvjXbaKsI/AAAAAAAAEbw/eIn_hb7hgrU/IMG-20110815-00029.jpg)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dZsKzPYMrcI/TkkvixjnyqI/AAAAAAAAEbs/z6zC8vUe540/s1000/IMG-20110815-00031.jpg
Full Size (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dZsKzPYMrcI/TkkvixjnyqI/AAAAAAAAEbs/z6zC8vUe540/IMG-20110815-00031.jpg)

It's hard to see in this terrible photo, but three floors of the Coopers building were lit up fairly brightly by the illuminated panels - hope that doesn't become an issue...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AINM5VoDkB4/Tkkvj-kEpMI/AAAAAAAAEb0/b_-lpyEpj2w/s1000/IMG-20110815-00030.jpg
Full Size (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AINM5VoDkB4/Tkkvj-kEpMI/AAAAAAAAEb0/b_-lpyEpj2w/MG-20110815-00030.jpg)

[Pinion]

It's hard to see in this terrible photo, but three floors of the Coopers building were lit up fairly brightly by the illuminated panels - hope that doesn't become an issue...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AINM5VoDkB4/Tkkvj-kEpMI/AAAAAAAAEb0/b_-lpyEpj2w/s1000/IMG-20110815-00030.jpg
Full Size (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AINM5VoDkB4/Tkkvj-kEpMI/AAAAAAAAEb0/b_-lpyEpj2w/MG-20110815-00030.jpg)

Of course it'll be an issue. How would you feel as the owner of one of those suites?

http://i.imgur.com/tRrlT.jpg
-salvaged-bliss.blogspot.com

Maybe the casino construction will block it. Then everyone will be happy! :)

[sono65]

Looks like it's just a reflection. I'm sure it's not shining directly into their windows.

[sacrifice333]

My view of BC Place from the restroom at my office:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6046006119_642ef2fb62_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/friesen/6046006119/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/friesen/6046006119/) by sacrifice333 (http://www.flickr.com/people/friesen/), on Flickr

[dreambrother808]

Looks like it's just a reflection. I'm sure it's not shining directly into their windows.

Yeah, LED lighting is brightly visible from afar but doesn't cast outward very strongly.

[peterprinciple]

Following up on some points made earlier in this thread regarding the amount of direct sunlight that the spectators will receive with the roof open, I've decided to capture a screen shot of the interior webcam and post it to my Flickr account.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33649407@N06/6033569685/in/photostream.png

P.S. I can't insert the link, so I've provided the URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33649407@N06/6033569685/in/photostream

A current look at the live interior webcam on this project disputes the above claim that the window of sunlight is so limited.

[peterprinciple]

Wait until Greycup, when the sun will be so low in the sky that even with the roof open...actual sunlight will not touch the field or the stands.

[g35]

A current look at the live interior webcam on this project disputes the above claim that the window of sunlight is so limited.

Wait until Greycup, when the sun will be so low in the sky that even with the roof open...actual sunlight will not touch the field or the stands.

I can't tell whether you think there is enough or too little light coming in

Also, they've started to hang speaker assemblies. I wonder if they'll swing in the wind, or if there will be much wind in the stadium with an open roof, at all. Or maybe they will be anchored to the roof.

[peterprinciple]

A current look at the live interior webcam on this project disputes the above claim that the window of sunlight is so limited.

I am disputing the claim that sunlight is limited. I think there is plenty of sunlight. As for the speaker assembly I am sure that they have taken the "wind factor" into account. That being said, I am sure the organizers of the Indiana State Fair thought they had taken wind into account also...just sayin'.

[phesto]

Article in the Courier regarding the compatibility for MLB Baseball. Looks like the scoreboard would be an issue and the cost may be prohibitive. It will be a shame if it can't be accommodated.

Baseball in B.C. Place a thing of the past?

Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/news/Baseball+Place+thing+past/5247908/story.html#ixzz1V8CEwQYh

[MJDDawg]

I am disputing the claim that sunlight is limited. I think there is plenty of sunlight.

Based on what I've seen so far on the interior web cam over the last couple of months, with the sun at it's highest point all year during the summer, about half the field will see direct sunlight during the early part of the afternoon. By the typical 7:00 pm start time for games, even with the sun at it's highest point, there will be no direct sunlight hitting the field of play.

The point is that for typical start times, the amount of sunlight entering the building from an open roof will be limited to hitting the north and east sides of the lower and upper bowl seats.

I'm glad there won't be direct sunlight on the field during evening games. No shadows to worry about.

[peterprinciple]

Based on what I've seen so far on the interior web cam over the last couple of months, with the sun at it's highest point all year during the summer, about half the field will see direct sunlight during the early part of the afternoon. By the typical 7:00 pm start time for games, even with the sun at it's highest point, there will be no direct sunlight hitting the field of play.

The point is that for typical start times, the amount of sunlight entering the building from an open roof will be limited to hitting the north and east sides of the lower and upper bowl seats.

I'm glad there won't be direct sunlight on the field during evening games. No shadows to worry about.

In total agreement with you on the sunlight thing. Whitecaps however usually play day games and as we all know soccer season starts earlier that football season...in this country at least.

[twoNeurons]

For anyone who is interested... I've made a little animated gif (which hopefully works) regarding the light.

This is August 12th, from 9am to 7PM.
http://i54.tinypic.com/2141stz.gif

[officedweller]

Sweet!
Thanks.

[MJDDawg]

If anyone is interested in what those black strips of "carpet" on the stadium floor are, they are part of the new turf installation. The black material is known as the E-layer, and is designed to provide impact absorption below the fibre and rubber overlay.

Things appear to be moving very quickly now.

[SFUVancouver]

Photos of BC Place from here and there.

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/6228/bcplacefromovaugust1620.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, August 16th 2011.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/8558/bcplacefromdunsmuirviad.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, August 16th 2011.

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2844/bcplacefromdunsmuir1aug.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, August 16th 2011.

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3972/bcplacefromdunsmuir2aug.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, August 16th 2011.

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/3607/bcplacefromdunsmuir3aug.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, August 16th 2011.

[metroXpress]

Random photo from the preview:

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/1010/dsc07021i.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/818/dsc07021i.jpg/)

Uploaded with my ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[peterprinciple]

An obvious observation once inside the stadium. From the exterior, the roof opening looks quite small. But once inside the bowl I realized that indeed the opening is quite large. As large as the playing field itself.

The reason the opening looks smaller than anticipated by many is that the window walls tilt outward making the roof quite a bit larger around the new perimeter.

[peterprinciple]

Final roof panel has been installed. Another milestone.


http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/construction.html

[go_leafs_go02]

scoreboards is getting put together - metal frame so far. It looks HUGE!

http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/construction.html

Still can't figure out how the roof is going to lower for the Whitecaps game

[MJDDawg]

Still can't figure out how the roof is going to lower for the Whitecaps game


If you look at the photo in your post #3555, the frame that holds the continuous electronic screen will also house the retractable curtain which forms a "second roof" for concealing the upper tiers. There are some renderings a few pages back showing this.

Looking at the main roof, I'm not sure how white those fixed panels will get, but I sure hope they lighten up to the same shade as the retractable fabric or it'll look weird.

[PaperTiger]

Does anyone know what will happen with the gaps between the panels?

I assume there is more fabric to be added but I'm not sure how that would work with the verticle supporting cables.

[agrant]

Does anyone know what will happen with the gaps between the panels?

I assume there is more fabric to be added but I'm not sure how that would work with the verticle supporting cables.From what I heard at the open house, I believe the panels still need to be stretched, maybe a few times. They have to give the panels time to adjust - they can't do it all in one go. Once they get it to where they want, they'll seal it over.

[peterprinciple]

Have a look at the interior cam and scan over to your right. You can see the continuous electronic screen being installed.

[MJDDawg]

Good news...Turns out that the brown steel frame holding the LED ribbon board is entirely temporary; it's being used to support the workers and their equipment and will be removed once the board is completed.

As you can see in the image below, the video ribbon board is attached to the face of the upper fascia without compromising site lines of the first few rows in the upper bowl. The inner curtain system for the "second roof" will sit neatly behind the video board.


http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/MJDDawg/LEDRibbonBoard.png
Image courtesy of Pavco.

[Zassk]

It's really exciting to see the whole bowl with seats installed.

The retractable roof has been opened and closed at various times on the cam, and seems to be working.

Scoreboard and ribbon board look terrific.

The gaps in the roof are making me the most nervous now... Can they close them all in 5 weeks?

[Pinion]

Is there any reason why they chose semi-randomized red and grey seats? Not a fan.

A lot of the interior stadium design looks great now but will look dated a lot quicker than the original conservative/boring design.

[djh]

Is there any reason why they chose semi-randomized red and grey seats? Not a fan.

A lot of the interior stadium design looks great now but will look dated a lot quicker than the original conservative/boring design.

Maybe it says something when looked at from a distance...

[Zassk]

Is there any reason why they chose semi-randomized red and grey seats? Not a fan.

A lot of the interior stadium design looks great now but will look dated a lot quicker than the original conservative/boring design.

Hmm, the original design was neither conservative nor (originally) boring... it was a state of the art, cutting-edge design at the time, and matched very well with the "Tomorrowland" look of Expo 86. It is telling that you find it conservative and boring and timeless now. :-) The truth is simply that it reflected its era. Perhaps the same will be said of the retrofitted stadium after another 25 years.

[peterprinciple]

Is there any reason why they chose semi-randomized red and grey seats? Not a fan.

A lot of the interior stadium design looks great now but will look dated a lot quicker than the original conservative/boring design.

Those are the old blue seats...they'r just covered in red and gray garbage bags.
Personally, when my butt's in a seat I dont care what colour it is; and if the Lions or the Caps ever have a real seaon the place will be full and even viewers at home wont be able to see what colour they are.

Truthfully, studies have shown that by using multicolour seating, the stadium looks more to capacity then with seats all the same colour. Good from a home viewer perspective.

[Prometheus]

They are doing some serious testing of the celestory window LED lights right now. You can see them from the stadium roof cam: http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/construction.html#webcam

[logan5]

Holy. I didn't think think the lighting would be that prominent.

Now that it's darker out, you can see the panels are bright enough to light up the roof itself.

[agrant]

They could probably tone it down just a little. Looks a little too much like the alien craft from Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

[go_leafs_go02]

Those are the old blue seats...they'r just covered in red and gray garbage bags.
Personally, when my butt's in a seat I dont care what colour it is; and if the Lions or the Caps ever have a real seaon the place will be full and even viewers at home wont be able to see what colour they are.

Truthfully, studies have shown that by using multicolour seating, the stadium looks more to capacity then with seats all the same colour. Good from a home viewer perspective.

Nope, the new seats are grey and red. The garbage bags are clear.

[logan5]

just rode by on my bike past rogers park where there is a good view of the stadium, and the lighting looks pretty awesome from there. the webcam doesn't do it justice. great hang out spot by the way (rogers park).

[peterprinciple]

Nope, the new seats are grey and red. The garbage bags are clear.

I hope you are kidding too mate...cuz I sure was.

[peterprinciple]

Honest to God gang...I am seriously excited with what they are doing to BC Place. When all is said and done I think this is going to be a work of art.

[nobase2010]

My pics that I took this evening.


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6060893609_c87849ede2_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6060892615_ff37b64b63_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6060891485_5bc3f3e8f7_b.jpg

[hollywoodnorth]

I love the lighting myself .... and I'm looking at it right now! :)

[nobase2010]

Here is my video of the lights being tested on the new roof. The new roof looks good from a far because the vertical tensions lines are not visible. But when you are close to the stadium the lines are visible and distracting. That is the only thing I hate about this new roof.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK65SHDSvoc

[Built Form]

The view from there is gorgeous, now picture in 10 years time where all you can see is a wall of condo towers from that vantage point. Future residents bitching and demanding those lights be turned off. The city is keen on preserving view cones only to highlight nature; well here's an example to highlight a man-made landmark. The whole area in front should be low-rise developments with plazas and a continuous animated waterfront of cafes and shops. We have done the quiet reflective seawall to death already lets have some fun and preserve some architectural views for a change.

[peterprinciple]

I can assure everyone that "those lights" will not be performing like this everynite. This is merely a test and a time to get things in sync.

If Mayor "Greenthumbs" or "Moonbeam" is doing his job, he will see to it that those lites are shut off after 2300hrs in summer and 2000hrs in winter or at least toned down to a slow meditative state. With the exception of rock concerts when those lites are gonna cycle like an LED graphic equalizer.....hell yeah!!!

[peterprinciple]

I can assure everyone that "those lights" will not be performing like this everynite. This is merely a test and a time to get things in sync.

If Mayor "Greenthumbs" or "Moonbeam" is doing his job, he will see to it that those lites are shut off after 2300hrs in summer and 2000hrs in winter or at least toned down to a slow meditative state. With the exception of rock concerts when those lites are gonna cycle like an LED graphic equalizer.....hell yeah!!!

And while we are on the subjuect of Mayor Moonbeam...where the hell is he when some poor sap is forced to have his little fruit and veggie display torn down by some civic bureaucrat with a small "member".

We are approving homes in alleys but killing farmers markets.

As I asked earlier, "HAS ANYONE SEEN THE MAYOR AT ALL?"

[WarrenC12]

Gregor, Clark, and Jim Chu are all on vacation last I heard. Convenient. :shrug:

But back to the lights, they look great. I'm not a huge fan of lighting effects on buildings, but these should be cool.

I have to ask though, where's the orange? Please tell me they can light up alternating Orange and Off (Black) for the Lions... like every time they score. :cheers:

[MJDDawg]

I have to ask though, where's the orange? Please tell me they can light up alternating Orange and Off (Black) for the Lions... like every time they score. :cheers:

If memory serves me correctly, you can get an orange hue by overlapping red and green at different intensities. In any event, I'm sure I've seen a render somewhere showing Lions colors on the panels and masts.

[duener]

Woah... the lights look great. It's like the mother ship is calling me home.

[Prometheus]

The new roof looks good from a far because the vertical tensions lines are not visible. But when you are close to the stadium the lines are visible and distracting. That is the only thing I hate about this new roof.

This is why they are making a big mistake by planning to put LED lights (like a bunch of hanging Christmas lights) all along the tension wires too. This will serve to highlight the most utilitarian and messy part of the building, the part that would be invisible in an ideal world. They should restrict themselves to flood-lighting the soaring masts only. But I have heard Podmore himself say they are going to highlight the tangled cobweb of wires as well.

P.S. You can see from your photos and video that they have installed floodlights for the masts, both beneath the ring and above it. But some of the lights are mis-aligned and fail to highlight the masts properly. I hope they fix that.

[Pinion]

I doubt it'll look like hanging Christmas lights. More like Lions Gate bridge at night. Modern lights look a lot better than what would've been used 20 years ago.

http://i.imgur.com/58qkB.jpg
-scenicreflections.com

Does that distract from the beauty of the bridge?

(Still feel bad for anyone who chooses to live near it though)

[SpongeG]

saw the lights last night from skytrain around 12:30 am - they really shine brightly on the condos across the street - but they look awesome

[Prometheus]

Does that distract from the beauty of the bridge?

Far from it; they highlight the beauty of the bridge. But your analogy does not hold. The bridge lights are beautiful precisely because the two parallel cables constitute an integral element of the bridge's elegance and harmony. Although intended as pure function, the sweeping cables add to the beauty of the bridge's form. Aesthetically, the bridge is made better by their presence. (After all, can you think of a form of bridge more beautiful than the suspension bridge?) Thus, highlighting the bridge's cables at night is beneficial and pleasing, not harmful or distracting.

Although functionally necessary, the stadium cables, by contrast, are incongruous with the stadium's ideal form. Aesthetically, the web of cables has a deleterious, not salutary, effect on the structure. In other words, the stadium would look better without them. Thus, unlike the Lions Gate Bridge lights, the BC Place cable lights will highlight a negative, not a positive.

[Pinion]

Although functionally necessary, the stadium cables, by contrast, are incongruous with the stadium's ideal form. Aesthetically, their presence has a deleterious, not salutary, effect on the structure.

Heh. Could you record yourself saying these two sentences and upload it? Please?

[Sprawl]

I think you might all discussing different things re lit tension wires. I read nobase2010's comment as referring to the thick outer horizontal tensions attached to the ring, while Prometheus seems to be referencing the horizontal tensions that stretch from the beams to the centre. While I agree with nobase2010 on the verticals, the horizontals form a key part of the design. They justify the beams being as tall as they are and tie the whole roof structure together. If they weren't there it would look like the old roof with some poles stuck around the rim. The verticals, both on the edge and extending to the roof from the horizontals, are the messy and distracting ones. I suppose that's why they're only lighting the horizontal ones, just as they've done on Lion's Gate.

[MJDDawg]

I still prefer our design to the utilitarian look of the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt on which the BC Place redesign was supposedly modelled:

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/MJDDawg/61090310_98e8687132.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/MJDDawg/37745529_43a37e2a71.jpg

Images hosted on Flickr.

[Prometheus]

I think you might all discussing different things re lit tension wires. I read nobase2010's comment as referring to the thick outer horizontal tensions attached to the ring, while Prometheus seems to be referencing the horizontal tensions that stretch from the beams to the centre. While I agree with nobase2010 on the verticals, the horizontals form a key part of the design. They justify the beams being as tall as they are and tie the whole roof structure together. If they weren't there it would look like the old roof with some poles stuck around the rim. The verticals, both on the edge and extending to the roof from the horizontals, are the messy and distracting ones. I suppose that's why they're only lighting the horizontal ones, just as they've done on Lion's Gate.

I think we were referring to different cables.

I disagree with you, however, regarding the web of horizontal cables. The horizontal cables justify the existence of the masts structurally, not aesthetically. Aesthetically, the masts appear best on their own. Like a building's soaring spire or the regal points of a monarch's crown, the masts are most pleasing when free-standing and are justified as pure expression. Just as a skyscraper's beauty is diminished when its spire is tied down with wires, so the stadium's beauty is diminished by having its masts tied to a web of horizontal cables. Although the cables are necessary, they are also unsightly.

Hence, highlighting their existence should be avoided, not pursued.

[logan5]

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/MJDDawg/61090310_98e8687132.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/MJDDawg/37745529_43a37e2a71.jpg

Images hosted on Flickr.

This stadium has permanent natural grass. How come we couldn't do the same?

[jlousa]

Because ours is a convention centre first and the home of the Lions/Whitecaps second. With over 200 event days a year it still lost money (hoping to break even now), moving to holding only ~30 games year it would be a money pit.

[logan5]

That makes sense but I thought it wasn't possible to have a natural turf, but apparently it is... hmm.

[peterprinciple]

Structure to hold giant monitors has been hoisted into place. Maybe only temporary but this whole center node combined with TV monitor structure is enormous. Has be to 100 feet from top to bottom

[MistyMountainHop]

I can assure everyone that "those lights" will not be performing like this everynite. This is merely a test and a time to get things in sync.

If Mayor "Greenthumbs" or "Moonbeam" is doing his job, he will see to it that those lites are shut off after 2300hrs in summer and 2000hrs in winter or at least toned down to a slow meditative state. With the exception of rock concerts when those lites are gonna cycle like an LED graphic equalizer.....hell yeah!!!

I’m sure Chris Kuroda would have fun with them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W8cUvofxS0

[Canadian Skin]

I think we were referring to different cables.

I disagree with you, however, regarding the web of horizontal cables. The horizontal cables justify the existence of the masts structurally, not aesthetically. Aesthetically, the masts appear best on their own. Like a building's soaring spire or the regal points of a monarch's crown, the masts are most pleasing when free-standing and are justified as pure expression. Just as a skyscraper's beauty is diminished when its spire is tied down with wires, so the stadium's beauty is diminished by having its masts tied to a web of horizontal cables. Although the cables are necessary, they are also unsightly.

Hence, highlighting their existence should be avoided, not pursued.

I'm getting confused by the vertical/horizontal references.

I think the horizontal cables between the masts will be lit, and to my eye they are necessary and aesthetically. Without the graceful downward arc of the cables, the masts would be inordinately high and spikey for the structure they rise above.

What I think the OP was objecting to are the thinner vertical cables that run from the horizontal cables down to the fixed portion of the roof.

[go_leafs_go02]

Structure to hold giant monitors has been hoisted into place. Maybe only temporary but this whole center node combined with TV monitor structure is enormous. Has be to 100 feet from top to bottom

That's much larger than I expected at first - and unfortunately, I think the MLB wouldn't approve it as the height to the floor likely would cause it to be hit by multiple pop flies.

[Vancity]

That's much larger than I expected at first - and unfortunately, I think the MLB wouldn't approve it as the height to the floor likely would cause it to be hit by multiple pop flies.

Agree. I don't think baseball is coming to the stadium :(

[go_leafs_go02]

Agree. I don't think baseball is coming to the stadium :(

The Old roof in BC place apparently was 190 feet in height. Now, that scoreboard, I would estimate at around 50 feet in height - if not more. That gives clearance for 140 feet. Now, the screen will be nowhere near homeplate, but it's certainly tough to estimate how pop flies go up and if they would be able to hit the screen quite often.

[phesto]

Appears doubtful baseball would work with the scoreboard in place.

As a point of reference, Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay has a catwalk above 2nd base that is approx. 190 ft high and while it has only been hit a few times in regular play, it has been an issue.

I suppose it depends on where homeplate would be, but 140 ft is awfully low for baseball to work...

[Pinion]

I thought baseball fans loved wacky field quirks?

Are they not able to close the roof yet? Today seems like a logical day to try it.

[Zassk]

An earlier article quoted someone from the Vancouver Canadians as saying that the BC Place scoreboard would be directly above 2nd base, which is a bad spot to have low clearance.

[peterprinciple]

So over the past few days as more and more new seats have been installed, workers have also been removing tarps covering the tunnels. Today it's pouring rain and the roof is open. Workers are scrambling to cover the seats in more white tarp and racing to cover up tunnels with plastic. What a waste of time, money and labour. The playing surface is soaked and that means that work is stalled on installing the new subsurface of the playing field.

Why not just close the roof. Did everyone forget to check the Weather Channel forecast? Let's get it together boys and girls.

Maybe the roof doesnt work in the rain....hmmmmmmmmm.

The roof is open and now the mechanism that controls the retractable roof is getting soaked. The retracted roof material is filling with water.

Oh brother!

[MJDDawg]

I was thinking the exact same thing regarding the rain today.

Hope those speaker systems hanging close to the edge of the roof opening can handle a bit of water.

[peterprinciple]

I was thinking the exact same thing regarding the rain today.

Hope those speaker systems hanging close to the edge of the roof opening can handle a bit of water.

So what do we figure one of those speakers costs...50 grand?

[peterprinciple]

Famous forgotten last words...Sunday..."Dont forget to close the roof tonite...it's gonna rain".

[agrant]

So over the past few days as more and more new seats have been installed, workers have also been removing tarps covering the tunnels. Today it's pouring rain and the roof is open. Workers are scrambling to cover the seats in more white tarp and racing to cover up tunnels with plastic. What a waste of time, money and labour. The playing surface is soaked and that means that work is stalled on installing the new subsurface of the playing field.

Why not just close the roof. Did everyone forget to check the Weather Channel forecast? Let's get it together boys and girls.

Maybe the roof doesnt work in the rain....hmmmmmmmmm.

The roof is open and now the mechanism that controls the retractable roof is getting soaked. The retracted roof material is filling with water.

Oh brother!Welcome to construction. Guess what? It's not finished yet... I was working inside a building today in Burnaby, and the roofing is nowhere near complete. Water draining through all the cored/canned holes.... the floors became little lakes an inch or two deep. Pretty difficult to do anything about it. I can't speak for what's going on inside BC Place today, but I'm pretty sure everything will turn out fine.

[jlousa]

Speakers are pretty simple items and there's no reason they'd stop working because of a little water,and considering they expect to have to keep the roof open in the elements occasionally I'm sure the speakers are weather resistant.