Past projects

On this page

Abdul Ladha Science Student Centre 

The ground floor houses three conference-style meeting rooms, a silent study area, and the Science Undergraduate Society (SUS) offices. The second floor includes a lounge area with a kitchenette, couches, and coffee tables. Overlooking the lounge, above the kitchenette, is the mezzanine, a second lounge area with even more comfortable seating spaces. The rooms can be booked for study groups or meetings.

For more information, visit the Abdul Ladha Science Student Centre website.

Asian Centre foyer

Renovations to the main foyer, including areas 501, 601, and 603 will include upgrades to existing furniture (soft seating and bar-height stools), the addition of writing and work surfaces, additional electrical outlets, lighting, and possibly flooring as well. The objective for this upgrade is to enhance the usefulness of the Centre and to create additional informal learning space within the building. Once completed, seating capacity will double from 15 to 20 seats to 30 to 40 seats.

Biological Sciences building, Student Commons 

In conjunction with the UBC Renew project, an undergraduate student commons in the centre block of the Biological Sciences building, and space adjacent to BIOL 2000 are being developed. Students currently sit on the floor outside of BIOL 2000 while waiting for classes and this space will provide better informal learning space in the building. Building is expected to be complete by the end of March, 2011.

Buchanan B, rooms 214 and 314 

Two student lounges were added to Buchanan B. Room 214 is a social, collaborative group work space with tables, chairs, sofas, and benches. On the third floor, room 314 is designed for quiet study, and is outfitted with moveable tables and chairs.

Buchanan courtyard 

In conjunction with the Buchanan A Block UBC Renew project, the Buchanan east and west courtyards are being enhanced.

The west courtyard will provide social space – a new pavilion will be available to support performances and the water feature will be restored as a reflecting pool. Outdoor seating will frame the courtyard, along with power, lighting, and IT. The east courtyard will be more meditative, and will include a rain garden with a knoll surrounded by bench seating. Completion is planned for mid-February, 2011.

Chemistry Building, Open Resource Learning Centre (ORLC) 

This project was part of the Department of Chemistry's vision, together with a shared instrument facility (SIF), to provide a connection between research activities and undergraduate instruction within the department. It allows undergraduate students to observe research in action.

The ORLC serves as an informal learning environment, and includes project rooms that will accommodate group work for approximately 50 students. The space includes moveable tables and chairs, some bar-height seating, and new lighting and power.

First Nations House of Learning, Learning Commons, and Student Lounge 

The bulk of planned renovations are focused on converting the former daycare facility into a group social space with moveable tables, chairs, and lounge-style furniture; one group meeting room (capacity for 8 to 12 people); and additional power and upgrades to flooring and lighting.

Additionally, room 144, currently a lounge, is to be converted into quiet study area. Completion is targeted for December 2010.

Forest Science Centre 

On the main level, across from rooms 1402 and 1404, new tables and chairs were added for group seating, and lighting upgrades were made.

On the second level, tables, chairs, club chairs, and couches were added.

Geography Building Student Lounge

The Geography department was approached by students who wished to upgrade their student lounge, Room 120, in the Geography building. The scope of renovations includes furniture replacement, repairs to existing kitchenette cabinetry, and improvement to lighting.

International House, Room 201

Renovations will primarily comprise the replacement of flooring in room 201 (approximately 1,500 to 2,000 square feet). This space is used extensively and programmed for numerous events for international students.

Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IBLC) 

The IBLC is loaded with informal learning spaces. The Ridington Room, accessible via the third or fourth floors, includes stately group and individual study spaces. The third and fourth floors offer open study areas with moveable furniture and group study rooms along the sides of the building. Corridors throughout the building are lined with bench seating and moveable tables and chairs. Ike’s Café is located on the second floor.

IRC Concourse 

The updated concourse area provides a mix of furniture for both group and individual work – millwork wall benches, tables, chairs, and couches are available.

MacMillan 360 (MCML 360) 

Formerly the MacMillan Library, MCML 360 is now a multifunctional space: formal learning during the day (8:30 am to 5:00 pm) and informal learning space after 5:00 pm and on weekends. The space includes 12 problem-based-learning rooms, group workspaces, white boards, and comfortable seating.

Neville Scarfe, Room 101A 

The former Edibles Café was converted to provide approximately 100 square feet of group study and social space. This includes the addition of comfortable lounge-style furniture and some upgrades to lighting and power in order to refresh the space.

Sauder 

Regular and bar-height stools have been added to the main level undergraduate students' atrium, with the unit name engraved on the backs of chairs. Bar-height stools line the windows and face outside. For access, use the REBOOT Café entrance and continue down the corridor.

Woodward Library/IRC basement 

Renovations to the Woodward/IRC basement will increase seating capacity, update the area, and add quiet study areas.

The original scope of the renovations (rooms 20, 34, 24, 24A) has been expanded to include rooms 30, 32, 33, and 35, as well as some exterior building areas. The original plan increased seating capacity by 70 percent to 124 seats (from 73 seats). The expanded scope includes:

  • increasing the amount of natural light
  • increasing the seating capacity by an additional 28 seats through the creation of four additional group study rooms (total seating capacity will increase to 152)
  • considering limited food service in the space
  • considering using the area as a secure 24-hour study space

Work on the original four rooms began in mid-May 2010 and was completed in August 2010. The expanded scope will be phased in fiscal 2011/12.

a place of mind, The Univeristy of British Columbia

Enrolment Services
Student Development & Services
2016-1874 East Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z1

Emergency Procedures | Accessibility | Contact UBC | © Copyright The University of British Columbia