Over the past few months, the world has slowly opened its doors, thrown out the welcome mat, and gotten back together. This concept of togetherness has taken on new importance for many of us, and we doubt we're alone in feeling excited and grateful for the opportunity to join our family, friends and community again.
A special treat for many is the ability to once again enjoy their favorite events. Concerts, sports, theater, conferences - all manner of events are going back in-person at venues across the country. In this edition of Plains Talk, we'll discuss the work that goes into making these multi-faceted event centers functional for all types of gatherings, and share some of the recent and ongoing projects we're supporting.
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If You Build It...They Will Come. |
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The Summit Arena at The Monument |
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Touring entertainment is big business. Live performances from recording artists, theater production companies and renowned speakers fill venues to the brim across the country - and the expectations for that brim keep growing.
Not only do these types of shows require massive seating capacities, but also fundamental backstage functionality that allows the show to...quite literally...go on.
For years, the City of Rapid City was well aware of the limitations the existing Rushmore Plaza Civic Center posed on luring big name performing talent to the region. The Don Barnett Arena, while an amazing facility for its time, had become too small, outdated, and didn't meet current accessibility codes. Additionally, the stage itself, and the staging areas, didn't meet the minimum requirements for most modern touring acts.
The Monument Rises
After years of research, discussion, and debate across the community - the City was successful in passing funding for a new $130 million event venue. The initiative involved building a state-of-of-the-art arena adjacent to the existing structure, and updating the Barnett to aid in accessibility to the new facility. The project broke ground in 2019, and unveiled a fitting new name...The Monument.
Summing Up The Summit
West Plains Engineering is part of the design team behind The Summit, the new 250,000 square foot arena addition, which is slated to complete construction in the Fall of 2021. Future home to the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Black Hills Powwow, Lakota Nation Invitational and countless other sports and entertainment events, the space includes 12,500 seats, as well as the flexibility to host both end and center stage concerts, family shows, circuses, and large-scale sports tournaments, as well as open-floor exhibitions.
The design caters to the next generation of fans, featuring open and transparent concourses, additional social spaces within view of the action, and a variety of experiential and premium seating options.
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Mike Sigman, P.E. is an Electrical Engineer and manager of the Rapid City office. Mike is the Project Manager and Lead Electrical Engineer for The Monument, as well as several other event venues in and around western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.
He has been with West Plains Engineering since 1999.
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The Infrastructure Behind Entertainment |
As part of this project, the City also opted to upgraded the existing chilled water system at the Central Utility Plant (CUP). The upgrade included a new Ice Storage system that will not only serve the new addition, but also the existing facility and Central High School, which is located across the street. The new Ice Storage system will allow the City to reduce energy costs related to the cooling of all the facilities by producing ice during off peak electrical times and use the ice during the peak energy-use periods to cool the buildings. This type of energy storage system is strongly promoted by Black Hills Energy and comes with a special electrical rate schedule to make it feasible to make the upgrades and pay off the added costs. |
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Strategic Direction Report |
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All Venues Are Not Created Equal |
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Designing Flexible Event Centers |
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When design teams begin a project, one of their major points of concern is to discuss end users. Who is the space being created for, how will they use it, and what are their main goals? When it comes to event centers, the answers to those questions are, quite often, rather ambiguous. These public buildings are created, essentially, for everyone – in all sorts of combinations of uses. The goal, however, is usually straightforward – to bring people together.
In our experience with event centers, the key to bringing people (athletes, performers, retailers, spectators, peers, conference attendees, etc.) together, is to develop a space flexible enough to anticipate and meet their needs. Mechanically and electrically, each area of the facility must have the flexibility to feel like it was built specifically for whoever happens to be on the marquee that day – or users won’t come back.
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Heating & Air Conditioning
At its core, the heating and cooling of any space focuses on the comfort of building occupants, as well as the performance of equipment. But when it comes to event centers, the sheer variety of occupant types and quantities, coupled with equipment loading fluctuations, creates unique challenges.
The design team needs to understand the potential types of events planned for the facility well in advance to account for the needs of the user groups. Concert venues may need increased cooling capacity to combat heat generated by lighting and pyrotechnic features, while livestock arenas consider how to balance the heat loss from the use of overhead doors for transporting animals, as well as odor and vector control. Air circulation also comes into play particularly within cavernous event spaces like arenas. Warm air naturally tries to gather at the top of the room, often leading to a 10-degree F or more difference in temperatures between the ceiling and the floor. This stratification effect can decrease heating and cooling efficiency and create an uncomfortable environment. The use of industrial fans at variable speeds or reversed can help combat this issue. Designing flexibility and varying load capabilities into the HVAC equipment is paramount to satisfying the needs for space comfort and facility longevity in an efficient manner.
Heating and cooling plants may be necessary for large event campuses either with several stand-alone facilities, or those with a big footprint. While a considerable undertaking, central utility plants also provide opportunities for designing efficiencies and controls that can reduce energy costs and/or qualify for rebates from local utility companies.
When a venue checks any or all of the boxes above, intending to be used for events of all shapes and sizes, the name of the game is a combination of flexibility and control. The ability for each group to compartmentalize and customize the heating and cooling systems to assure the comfort and safety of participants, performers and spectators can make the difference in scheduling the next show or selling the next ticket.
Ventilation
The performance areas of an event complex require an added degree of attention to the ventilation design. A high functioning ventilation system is a must for exchanging air quickly to remove dust, smoke, excess moisture, and other byproducts of the entertainment industry to maintain performer and spectator comfort and safety, as well as protect equipment and structural elements from damage.
A sometimes-overlooked byproduct is the use of water in the space, either to dampen dust on a dirt floor, or as part of a theatrical performance or concert. To prevent creating excess humidity, makeup air units can be considered and sized to provide heat while bringing in outside air with a low moisture content. In other cases, such as ice arenas, specific dehumidification units may be required to maintain proper space and ice conditions without creating a fog above the ice sheet.
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Lighting
Lighting event spaces gets downright fun. While lighting is typically used for comfort, productivity and safety, with event venues, it’s part of the show. Exterior lighting sets the ambiance for an exciting night out, stage lighting helps tell a story or enhance a performance, and arena lighting can make the difference between seeing nothing but net…or nothing at all.
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The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) has created standards and recommendations for venue lighting to specifically address things like playability, spectator viewing, and performer safety. Some considerations and consistent themes include exactly how much lighting is absolutely needed in a given space, fixture location to prevent glare and obstruction, aiming angles, lighting uniformity, and cutoff from lighting overflow into unwanted areas. This last part, called spill control, is especially important in event spaces where a performance, be it rodeo, visual arts or ice dancing, relies heavily on lighting very specific areas at precise moments. Lighting levels must also be designed in concert with the sanctioning organizations requirements for the various events to be held, as well as to meet requirements to be able to televise those events.
Electrical engineers must collaborate with audio/visual design specialists to make sure specialty lighting, as well as the accompanying audio and technology systems, are cohesive to the rest of the building and paired into an extensive controls network for ultimate customization and flexibility for each user.
Safety
Safety covers several design topics, from security systems with CCTV to fire alarms and distributed antennae systems. Any time you bring many people together in a space, all of these systems enhance the attendee experience, albeit behind the scenes.
The other background safety feature that has become part of our design repertoire in most facilities, but especially in high density areas, is creating a healthy environment. Solutions can range from simply increasing ventilation in a space, to improving filtration or adding UV emitters in air handling units or programming pre- and post-occupancy purge sequences to remove contagions from the space. It could also involve attendance logs via card access and/or video systems, or germicidal lighting. Whatever the combination, it’s important to have the conversation with owners and do our best to make sure eventgoers leave the building as healthy as they walked into it.
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Convention halls and event centers are some of the most unique spaces we work with due to several varying – sometimes conflicting – design requirements for the multitude of uses the facility may see over time. As designers, we need to understand the most demanding of those, and assure we can achieve those requirements. Importantly, we must also recognize that not every event, or even day-to-day functions, require that level of operation and design systems that can back off when necessary to meet less stringent requirements, or allow for energy reduction. Truly flexible design means not only catering to the extremes but accounting for the status quo too. |
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Team: Stone Group Architects
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The City of Sioux City knew it needed more space for events, but there were still many unanswered questions. How many different uses would it have? What types of events should it host? Who would use it? After meetings with stakeholders and input from the design team, those questions were answered in the simplest way possible...all of them.
What followed was the development of a true multi-purpose facility that has, or can have, something for just about anyone. The 80,000 square foot Siouxland Expo Center was created to host large events such as sports tournaments and trade shows, but is flexible enough to be compartmentalized for smaller events.
In addition to the main arena, which includes more than 55,000 square feet of roll out turf, the facility includes conference rooms, locker rooms, climbing wall, and other wellness spaces. It also features nearly 4,000 square feet of versatile banquet and meeting space, and can host up to 400 vendor booths.
The MEP systems were designed to match that versatility.
Electrically, the main expo area has multiple floor boxes to provide power throughout this space no matter how it's used. That space also has LED high bay lighting on multiple low voltage switching zones for easy control. Uniquely, the exterior of the building has LED pole lights, wall mounts and bollards with colored LED tape lighting along the walking path and front entry for an eye-catching aesthetic. Finally, the entire building has lighting controls with occupancy sensors and daylighting controls for energy efficiency.
Mechanically, the main expo area was programmed to provide an area for different uses and occupancies, which meant the HVAC ventilation system had to be designed to operate accurately and efficiently throughout the various uses.
The expo area is served by three 75-ton single zone variable air volume packaged roof top units. Each unit is responsible for about a third of the expo area, and has an energy recovery wheel to increase energy savings due to the potential high amount of outside air required especially when the space is being used for sporting events.
To increase energy savings even further, and provide better control, the expo area roof top units have multiple staged compressors with a modulating lead compressor and controls for demand control ventilation. Fabric duct was used in the expo area both for cost and durability in an area where multiple sports will be played. Turbine style destratification fans were provided in the space to assist with air mixing in heating seasons because of the height of the space.
Since opening, the Siouxland Expo Center has lived up to its purpose, hosting numerous sporting events, trade shows, conventions, banquets, meetings, and more. It's a one-size-fits-most facility that has helped bring the City of Sioux City together.
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A black and white photo mural features Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig - a nod to a game played at Stockyards Park in Sioux City in 1927. |
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LED pole lights, wall mounts and bollards with colored LED tape lighting along the walking path and front entry create an eye-catching exterior. |
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Nick Carr is a Mechanical Designer in our Sioux Falls office. He led the mechanical effort for the Siouxland Expo Center (he still claims it as one of his favorite projects!), and has been involved in several other convention center designs since joining West Plains Engineering in 2017.
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Harlan Osterloo is an Electrical Designer in our Sioux Falls office. He has been with West Plains Engineering nearly 30 years, and was behind the electrical design for the Siouxland Expo Center.
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As far as catchy names go - the DEX might take the cake.
An acronym for the Dakota Events CompleX, the DEX is a new multi-million dollar event venue at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron. Naturally, that means the complex will host a large number of agricultural events, including barrel racing, rodeos, cattle shows and 4-H competitions. The building, which is currently in design, will include space for two arenas that can be reconfigured based on the event. Rodeos can offer seating for 5,000-10,000, with additional area adjacent for cattle chutes and other equipment. During cattle shows and the State Fair, the space can be quickly changed over to hold 1,700 or more head of cattle.
Though different, what all of those event types have in common, is livestock.
Looking beyond the obvious architectural and structural considerations for accommodating large animals, like holding pens, bay doors and outdoor access, it's important for mechanical engineers in particular to recognize the HVAC implications.
First and foremost is ventilation. An event space for animals must have a functional ventilation system that can remove excess dust and exchange air in the space quickly to maintain a comfortable environment. In this part of the country, animal venues also struggle with humidity issues during the winter months. Water used on the arena floors to keep the dust down evaporates, and then condenses on cold surfaces and exposed steel, which can deteriorate structural elements and may void warranties. Outside air is typically low in moisture content, so MAU's can be considered and sized to provide heat while bringing in outside air - heating the building while reducing humidity.
On the electrical side, the name of the game is flexibility. Although events like rodeos, cattle shows and 4-H have many things in common, each user group runs things a little differently and thus has different needs. Controls allow for a high level of customization, not only for lighting but also power distribution to support various activities and user groups. Additionally, the quality of the LED fixtures in the space deserves a higher degree of attention. Arenas are cavernous and thus difficult to light properly, not to mention that how the space is lit can impact animal comfort and behavior. Quality fixtures and light levels need to be carefully selected.
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Title:
Rapid City Office Manager
Years with WPE:
22 Years
Home Team:
Wife: Michelle
6-10 Horses, 3 Dogs & "1 Worthless Cat"
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Rapid City Office Manager Mike Sigman is anything but a one trick pony. Sure, he’s a talented Electrical Engineer with more than 20 years of experience, and the man in charge of our Rapid City office – but he also has a fascinating pastime that takes him far beyond the A/E/C industry.
Mike has been showing and competing on horses for more than two decades across the upper Midwest. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting him, the Wranglers and boots might have given it away, but not everyone knows just how involved he is in the world of competitive Cutting, Reining, Working Cow Horse, Ranch Horse, Team Penning and Team sorting. (If you’re not familiar with the events, we highly suggest you look them up – it’s interesting stuff!)
Not only a former competitor in these events, Mike’s still an active member of the SD Cutting Horse Association (SDCHA), the SD Quarter Horse Association (SDQHA) and past President and currently on the Board of Directors for the SD Reined Cow Horse Association (SDRCHA).
For the past nine years, Mike has been the primary person in charge of putting on two affiliate-level nationally ranked National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) events for the SDRCHA. He coordinates all aspects of these shows, including working with venue staff regarding setting up contracts, arenas, and equipment; stall assignments, staging and penning of cattle, and placement and storage of feed for livestock.
Naturally, his experience as both a competitor and organizer have taught him important lessons about the design needs and challenges for event venues, particularly when they involve animals. As an engineer and project manager, he’s been able to put that knowledge to good use on behalf of clients and owners in the design of some of the area’s most well-known livestock venues, including the James Kjerstad Event Center at the Central States Fairgrounds, and The Summit Arena at The Monument.
As if all that isn’t enough to keep him busy, Mike and his wife, Michelle also breed and raise cutting horses at their ranch north of Rapid City. At any one time, they usually have between 6 and 10 horses in their care in various stages of development – from newborn colts, to two-year-olds in training, to finished competitive horses. The family also shares the space with their three dogs: Gizmo (miniature Aussie); JD (miniature Aussie); Beretta (Rottweiler); and "one worthless cat".
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West Plains Engineering News |
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WPE Sponsors AIA-SD Design in the Hills |
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It was our great pleasure to once again sponsor the AIA-South Dakota "Design in the Hills" conference in July. WPE has supported this event for the past five years, typically sponsoring the bus tour, but with the format change to a walking tour in 2021...we got creative. Check out the video above that we used to help welcome attendees to Reconnect (this year's conference theme) in Deadwood. |
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In August, Electrical Designer Chris Haman celebrated his 5-year-anniversary with West Plains Engineering
Chris became part of our Cedar Rapids crew in 2016 after graduating from Iowa State University, and we can't imagine the office without his fun energy
(and love of food).
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Rapid City, SD | Sioux Falls, SD | Casper, WY | Cedar Rapids, IA |
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