The award-winning Virginia Beach Convention Center demonstrates SOM’s ability to look beyond an immediate project site in terms of community growth. Since its completion, VBCC has become the centerpiece of a 40-year master plan to green Virginia Beach and reinvigorate the classic resort town.

Project Facts

Completion Year: 2007
Site Area: 37.80 acres
Project Area: 516,522 ft²
Building Height: 147 ft
Number of Stories: 4

Project Awards

2008 • American Institute of Steel Construction • IDEAS2 - Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel: Greater than $75 million Category, National Award Winner
2007 • AIA - Chicago Chapter • Distinguished Building Award
2007 • American Public Works Association • Public Works Project of the Year
2007 • Convention South Magazine • Reader's Choice Award: Winner
2007 • Facilities & Destinations Magazine • Prime Site Award
2007 • Real Estate & Construction Review • Plaque of Honor
2007 • Trade Show Executive • Innovation Award: Floor Grid
2007 • Virginia Department of Environmental Equality • Virginia Green Certification
2006 • Architectural Record/Business Week • Citation for Excellence
2006 • Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate • Best Institutional Public Building: First Honor Award
2005 • Virginia Beach Planning Commission • Design Award

Design inspiration for the convention center came from the region’s past, present, and future. A soaring 147-foot glass and steel tower pays homage to the city’s historic lighthouse, while lightweight trusses support an energy-saving glass curtain wall that curves around the entrance. The lobby features a panoramic video screen that displays both commissioned digital artwork and convention information. Cutting-edge technology is also on display in a cellular phone enhancement system that enables conference attendees to locate one another and navigate the facility without difficulty.

Working with the city of Virginia Beach, SOM designed over 500,000 square feet of space with several energy-efficient initiatives: lighting and HVAC systems programmed to conserve electricity during off hours, energy-efficient windows that limit UV penetration, naturally rot- and insect-resistant Cumaru wood flooring and decks, and effective storm water retention systems. In 2008, VBCC’s energy bill decreased by 13%. These sustainable design initiatives assisted the center in achieving “Virginia Green” certification from a statewide program to reduce the environmental impacts of the tourism industry.

The center includes four easily reconfigurable sub-halls with 40-foot ceilings and a 240-foot clear span roof. A significant feat of engineering, VBCC’s roof is one of the largest column-free spans in the U.S. The facility also contains a grand ballroom, meeting rooms, and a community-oriented park landscaped with plants that tolerate draughts and conserve water.

Since its opening, the center has significantly raised the community profile and acted as a catalyst for new development. To augment VBCC with additional design services, SOM produced a long-term master plan for Virginia Beach that includes direct links between the convention center and the beach community, as well as a land-banking program to spur redevelopment. Like the convention center itself, the plan has helped inspire the Virginia Beach community with a compelling vision of what their city can become.