David L. Lawrence Convention Center

You could call the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLLCC) one of the most significant milestones in Pittsburgh's environmental transformation. Located on a former brownfield site, the Convention Center reflects the environmental friendliness that is a hallmark of our region.

As the world's first green convention center - certified with a Gold LEED® (Leadership in Energy + Environmental Design) Building Rating System rating by the U.S. Green Building Council - the building is truly a symbol of the new Pittsburgh region. No question that the greening of Pittsburgh's Convention Center is a powerful example of this region's commitment to sustainable development and environmental awareness.

On the cutting edge of design, this innovative structure by Rafael Vinoly Architects connects the urban city to the waterfront overlooking the Allegheny River. "The design's unique suspended roof structure is inspired by Pittsburgh's numerous suspension bridges and creates a convention center space unlike any other in the world," noted Rafael Vinoly.

While boasting breathtaking views of the North Shore and Downtown Pittsburgh from the concourses, balconies and terraces, the DLLCC is in the heart of the downtown business and Cultural District - and hotels, retail stores, theaters and restaurants are within an easy walk.

All told, the Convention Center provides 313,400 square feet of exhibition space, 51 meeting rooms, two lecture halls, 37 loading docks and a 31,610 square-foot ballroom, the largest in the region. The design also features a pedestrian promenade connecting 10th Street and Penn Avenue, and landscaped terraces overlooking the river. The high, curved roof draws air off the river as part of the natural ventilation system.

Pittsburgh has secured a building that is not only supremely functional, but also one whose aesthetic beauty, harmony with surrounding architecture, and integration with the waterfront is of the highest quality. This landmark structure has become the cornerstone of Pittsburgh's continuing transformation.

David L. Lawrence Convention Center - Green Facts

Natural Daylight

• 1.5 million-square-foot facility is 75% lit by natural daylight
• Decreases energy costs by 35%
• Amount of energy conserved equals electricity consumed by 1,900 Pittsburgh households

Natural Air Ventilation

• To cool halls, natural air is pulled from across the Allegheny River into the building
• Swooping roof draws the warm air up into the roof peak where it exits
• Reduces operational costs by 35% annually, while enhancing indoor air quality

Water Reclamation system

• Waste water from sinks, water fountains and faucets is reclaimed through the Center's filtering and chemical treatment system
• System sanitizes the water and redirects it to bathroom toilets
• Water usage is reduced by 55% , enough drinking water to supply 132 Pittsburgh households

Recycling

• Annually recycles an estimated 124,000 pounds of paper and cardboard
• Recycles 6,000 pounds of cans and bottles each year
• Enough to save 1,054 trees, 682 barrels of oil, 186 cubic yards of landfill space and 434,000 gallons of water