The Ten Eyck and Terrey team created a vertical garden on the south-facing wall behind the outdoor plaza at the Southeast entrance to the building, at 5th and Washington streets. It uses the condensate produced by the Convention Center's air conditioning system – moisture that otherwise would slip down the drain, into the city's sanitary sewer system. The production of condensation water is directly related to the garden's seasonal irrigation demands. During hot summer months, when plants need the most moisture, the building's cooling systems generate more than 800 gallons a day. The water is collected, stored and treated with ultra-violet rays in two collection tanks, then channeled from the heart of the building into an outside runnel that irrigates the living wall. The water descends from the runnel through three stainless steel discs before finally trickling down an Arizona rain chain of bronze Soleri links to nourish the garden The storage and treatment tank is located and visible through a glass window on the second floor of the Phoenix Convention Center. The vertical garden is constructed of steel columns and mesh and light-weight soil and filter fabric. It is planted with native seed mix and seedlings. The sunken outdoor garden also captures the plaza's rainwater runoff.​