UBC Leon and Thea Koerner University Centre

Vancouver, BC
2013 completion

Previous Firm: PUBLIC Architecture + Communication
Role: Project Architect

What began as a simple seismic upgrade became a full-scale interior restoration for this pair of historically significant buildings at UBC's Vancouver campus. Both the University Centre ,designed by Fredric Lasserre in 1959, and its Faculty Club addition from 1968, designed by Arthur Erickson and Geoff Massey, had undergone decades of ad-hoc renovations to their restaurant, lounges and classroom spaces.  Part restoration, part modernization, the renewal involved removing many meters of surface mounted conduit, acres of overstuffed leather banquettes and superfluous ceiling treatments. New technologies were sensitively integrated with major structural and systems upgrades, new finishes, millwork and furniture to bring these modern gems back to former glory.