RWDI can assist designers of convention centers with a wide range of services for interior and exterior design issues relevant to large places of assembly.  Such impacts affect the comfort and safety of guests. Because many convention centers are large, they can benefit from the same kinds of studies associated with high rise buildings, sports facilities, and airports.

Thermal Comfort

Cooling large spaces can be a challenge, especially sun-filled glaze atria or courtyards. RWDI can assess this impact and help mitigate problems affecting the comfort of guests.

Pedestrian Comfort

The design of convention centers can influence wind activity, thereby impacting safety and comfort of outdoor activity areas such as lounging areas and restaurant facilities and near entrance ways. Wind breaks, screens, and minor modifications to buildings can improve wind conditions.

Cladding / Structural Loads

Roofs and walls of major structures like convention centers require accurate information for the design of structural and curtain-wall systems.

Snow and Ice

In winter climates, accumulations of snow and ice on roofs or snowdrifts around buildings can lead to structural failures or blocked access or increased maintenance. Studies designed to identify such impacts can assist designers in mitigating these conditions.

Sun / Shade Impacts

Outdoor facilities can be affected by shadow patterns created by the facility or its neighbors while solar glare from reflective surfaces can impact some activities.

Air Quality / Ventilation

Air quality impacts from outdoor sources such as covered parking facilities, local traffic, loading docks and diesel generators must be taken into account when designing fresh air intakes. Correct design of interior ventilation systems in terms of temperature and air flow is important for economic operation of air conditioning and heating systems.

Smoke Control

In the event of a fire, is particularly relevant for convention centers with typically large interior spaces.

Noise / Acoustics / Vibration

Today's multipurpose facilities require functional acoustics for a wide variety of events. Optimal amounts of placement of sound absorptive finishes enhance speech intelligibility and music uses, while background noise from crowds and/or mechanical systems is controlled for broadcast booths, meeting rooms, and hotel suites. Floor vibration of long span floors should also be addressed to avoid uncomfortable, perceptible motion.