Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Architects: KPMB Architects & HCMA Architecture + Design  in joint venture
Date of completion: 2015
OAA Awards 2016 Design Excellence Winner

Located amidst the busy and vibrant University Boulevard neighbourhood, close to the main entrance of the University of British Columbia’s Point Grey campus, the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre is a serene three-storey pavilion that serves as a resource for UBC’s 305,000 alumni. Opened on the university’s centennial, the building provides a welcoming place to network, meet with students, and participate in intellectual, cultural and social programs.

Photo Credit: Nic Lehoux

Elegantly proportioned and beautifully finished, the pavilion was designed to reflect its distinct Pacific coast context and achieve architectural excellence within a limited budget. The simple, pure geometry of the glass-clad pavilion creates a signature statement within the campus. On the ground floor the glass is highly transparent, revealing the building’s inner life and enriching the street experience in the surrounding area. Responding to the interior program, white ceramic frit is applied to the upper floors’ glass in varying densities: a more open pattern on the building’s public spaces and denser towards private uses. The frit glass provides the stoic volume with a kinetic quality, changing dramatically from day to night, grey skies to sunshine.

Photo Credit: Nic Lehoux

The pavilion’s sleek, glass exterior contrasts with its warm, wood interiors. Rough sawn red cedar is used on the ceilings, soffits, and the exterior of the dramatic feature staircase that connects all levels of the building. The interior of the staircase is clad in highly durable Douglas fir, a signature wood of the Canadian west. Using local, durable and easily maintained materials brought together through careful detailing, the interior provides material warmth in this grey climate.

Photo Credit: Nic Lehoux

With its refined material palette and it’s elegantly proportioned form, the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre is a significant addition to UBC’s campus, a serene yet lively facility for the university community to come together.

To view the complete submission, including additional images and drawings, please click here.

This post (14/20) is part of the OAA Awards 2016 Design Excellence Finalists blOAAg series celebrating the best of Ontario architecture. Every day during the month of March we will be posting a new finalist. You can view all posts by clicking here. Winners will be announced April 1, 2016.