2016 Illumination Award of Merit
Illuminating Engineering Society
Client
NRG Energy
Locations
Seven U.S. sporting venues
Energy Capacity
1,136,725 kW
13
Sporting Sustainability
Our designs for energy efficiency in sporting venues elevate the fan experience while fulfilling goals for clean energy and sustainability.
01
Miami Heat
Kaseya Center
The Solar Canopy on the East Plaza of the arena was created to add unique guest amenities to the arena and engage fans by promoting the Heat’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy systems. The solar canopy activated a new space for guests featuring a bar, food and beverage locations, advertisement displays, and retail outlets. The solar canopy integrates 14 solar skylight rings, within each is a dynamic, programable color changing LED system, creating a vibrant and high energy environment for fans. The 24,000 SF canopy produces approximately 34,000 kW of energy. We provided architecture, structural engineering, electrical engineering, and interior design services. The project obtained the Gold Award for Innovative Design and Public Awareness from the American Council of Engineering Companies, as well as the Illumination Award of Merit from Illuminating Engineering Society.
02
San Francisco 49ers
Levi’s Stadium
We collaborated with NRG Energy to create a design of solar installations at Levi’s Stadium, home of San Francisco 49ers. The end result provides shading, branding opportunities, and solar power production for the stadium. The project consists of two elements: the solar terrace and the pedestrian bridges. Our firm led the design for the panelized solar assembly built above the terrace. This solar terrace serves fans as a roof-level premium club that houses a bar, lounge area, and a green roof garden. Three pedestrian bridges with PV installations mounted to the roof connect the main parking lot to the stadium providing valuable shade to pedestrians. The Levi’s stadium was the first NFL stadium certified LEED Gold.
03
Patriot Place
Gillette Stadium
Patriot Place is a 1.3 million square foot regional shopping, dining, and entertainment destination connected to Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, that serves as the primary pre-game gathering environment to enhance the gameday experience. We designed an on-site renewable solar system for NRG Energy, transforming an open-air lifestyle center into a visually stunning destination. The solar array generates approximately 30 percent of the power to Patriot Place. The lighting system in the North Market Place consists of 1,100 feet RGB LED fixtures that can be programmed to create scenes and video like images through the display of an infinite number of colors. The system also integrates into the Patriot Place audio system to create unique audio/visual experiences for shoppers. The solar panels used at Patriot Place provide 20 watts per square foot; the total output of the system is projected to be 1.1 million kW. Our firm provided design, electrical engineering, structural engineering, and construction administration services for this project.
04
Philadelphia Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field
At Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, we collaborated with NRG Energy to design an integrated sustainable energy solution. An array of solar panels in the parking lot generates most of the renewable power, while 14 micro wind-turbines spin on top of the stadium producing additional energy. These designs provide approximately six times the amount of power used during all Eagles home games annually. Solar panels also line the southern façade of the stadium, forming a dynamic LED Eagle wing display, igniting excitement in arriving fans. The comprehensive renewable energy system includes more than 11,000 solar panels and 4,000 kW of generating capacity — making it the largest solar power system in the NFL.
05
Houston Texans
NRG Stadium
On the NRG Stadium campus, home of the NFL’s Houston Texans, our firm integrated solar power into the stadium experience in creative ways by including an electric vehicle charging lot, a transparent solar canopy located at the main entrance, and two solar pedestrian bridges linking the main parking lot areas to the stadium. In addition to the elegant architecture and engineering of the structures, custom LED multi-colored NRG branded light fixtures complement the bridge structure, supporting the excitement of game day and connecting it to NRG’s mission in increasing awareness of opportunities in alternative energy production and usage. The solar system at NRG Stadium consists of 600 solar panels spread across four locations for a total system size of 180kW. We provided structural and electrical engineering, as well as architecture services. The project earned a Gold Award in Energy – Engineering Excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies Washington.
06
Washington Commanders
FedEx Field
FedEx Field, home of the Washington Commanders, is also home to our solar system which features an artistic design element, becoming part of the stadium aesthetic, and enhancing the gameday experience for fans. Information kiosks, in conjunction with prominently displayed solar panels in and around the stadium, raise awareness of NRG and the Washington Commanders' commitment to renewable energy and showcase NRG clean energy solutions. A branded NRG entry gate into the stadium, a dynamic LED lighting system illuminating the façade of a six-story pedestrian ramp, and a 30-foot-tall silhouette of a quarterback dubbed "Solar Man" are all part of the working solar system. The entry ramp, clad in translucent PV panels, features a LED lighting system with full color lighting effects and video animations created by 358 diffused media tubes. The 8,000 panel (2,000kW) energy generating system produces enough power to serve all of the facilities' electrical needs on non-game days and provides a portion of the stadium's electricity needs on game days. The project also includes 10 electric vehicle charging stations from NRG's eVgo charging network. The project earned the Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), as well as from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Kansas.
07
New York Jets/New York Giants
MetLife Stadium
At MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL's New York Jets and New York Giants, our firm created the Solar Ring, a striking visual element encircling the top of the building. The panels are illuminated with LED lighting and programmed to display the teams’ signature blue and green colors. The Solar Ring can be programmed to display an unlimited number of hues to enhance athletic and entertainment events and give the stadium added flexibility in customizing the user experience. Consisting of 1,350 panels, the system produces 350kW of energy.We provided architecture and engineering services for the project.
