Acton Ostry Architects

The UBC Sauder School of Business, one of the world’s preeminent hubs for business research, underwent an extensive multi-phase renewal that led to the creation of an inspiring environment—one that fosters collaboration, creativity and innovation. At the heart of the transformation is a soaring atrium that serves as focal point and unifier, fusing the original building with a new classroom block addition to create a skylit hub to which every department links. A coloured glass facade wraps the complex, achieving a bold new identity that reflects the rhythm and cadence of a barcode, the universal pattern language associated with the digital transfer of commerce and business.

project

UBC Sauder School of Business

location

Vancouver, BC

client

The University of British Columbia

completion

2010, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2021


size

25,000 m2

bold new identity.

bold new identity

sustainability

SABMag Green Building Award

awards & recognition

2014  
Fifty Most Impressive Environmentally-Friendly University Buildings

2013
Fifty Most Beautiful Schools in the World

2011  
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Award

2010
Canadian Interiors Best of Canada Award
Sustainable Architecture & Building Green Award
Vancouver Regional Construction Association Award

University Boulevard.

University Boulevard

The Sauder School and the Robert H. Lee Graduate School now have world-class facilities worthy of their stellar reputations, moving from strength to strength as the schools continue to make a difference in our world.

President

The University of British Columbia

Bill Sauder donor recognition.

Bill Sauder donor recognition

commemorative builders wall installation.

commemorative builders wall installation

leadership centre lounge.

leadership centre lounge

leadership centre.

leadership centre

lecture theatre.

lecture theatre

soaring skylit atrium.

soaring skylit atrium

soaring skylit atrium.

soaring skylit atrium

concourse.

concourse

cafe.

cafe

atrium overlook.

atrium overlook

classroom overlooking atrium.

classroom overlooking atrium

learning laboratory.

learning laboratory

dusk.

dusk

The key concept was to bring light, comfort, visual unity and 'corporate cool' into the Sauder project. The design team employed the concept of a bar code as the generating device for the pattern of the unifying glazed facade wrap. The result is an evocative alternation of transparent and translucent glass panels­­—a leitmotif for the project.

President

The University of British Columbia