Considering the structural performance of the existing stadium bowl and the desire for a landmark design in downtown Vancouver, a lightweight cable-membrane structure has been chosen for the roof which works according to the spoked wheel principle. At the perimeter the cables are connected to 36 iconic masts located on top of the existing structure. The system is carefully balanced by an outside compression ring and an inner tension ring providing sufficient stiffness to carry the immense snow loads of up to 200 kg/m² in the Vancouver area. Besides the fixed membrane roof, the structure includes a retractable roof consisting of inflatable membrane cushions which unfold radially. The very transparent 9.500 m² ETFE perimeter facade has a significant influence on the architectural appearance and the interior light conditions. The individual facade panels can be illuminated independently in various colors.
