UBC School of Biomedical Engineering receives occupancy permit
UBC Properties Trust (UBCPT) is happy to announce the completion of UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) building, which has officially received its occupancy permit as of December 10th, 2024.
This achievement marks the successful conclusion of a four-year development journey starting in the summer of 2020 to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that supports groundbreaking research and education at UBC.
Designed for the UBC’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Applied Science, the new SBME building is UBC’s first inter-faculty school. It is a flagship entity and a cornerstone of the School’s mission to transform patient health and healthcare outcomes.
The five-storey plus basement building provides a range of spaces tailored to support the needs of its users:
- Lecture theatres, research space and a clean room in the basement
- Teaching spaces on the first floor
- A second floor featuring teaching labs with project rooms
- Research labs and offices spanning levels three to five
The building and its specialized spaces were designed in close collaboration with both faculty user groups to ensure optimal functionality and alignment with SBME’s strategic goals.
The SBME building reflects UBC’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Pursuing LEED Gold certification and achieving Passive House standards for air tightness, it incorporates leading-edge energy efficiency. The building was designed by Architecture49 and Patkau Architects, with Patkau’s design expertise integrating it into the natural surroundings, preserving high-value trees that influenced its shape. It is the first institutional building at UBC to pursue Rick Hansen Gold certification, ensuring accessibility for people of all abilities. These sustainable and inclusive features highlight UBCPT’s dedication to delivering projects that are both environmentally responsible and community-focused.
Although the project management of SBME went smoothly, navigating the requirements of such a unique and complex facility with specialty mechanical systems was not without its challenges. The design phase, conducted entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic, required virtual collaboration and innovative problem-solving to manage high inflation and supply chain pressures. Thanks to a proactive and collaborative approach amongst the project team, UBCPT delivered the project under budget and within the timeline without compromising quality.
Beyond academic excellence, the SBME building will enhance the bustling University Boulevard area with a new restaurant, Chachi’s, offering another convenient lunch option for the area’s community and visitors. A new landscaped courtyard between Chachi’s and Steve’s Poke Bar will provide a third space for relaxing or studying, and a new greenway on the other side will provide easy navigation around campus for pedestrians and cyclists.
The significance of this project extends far beyond its walls. Dr. Peter Zandstra, SBME Director, is a globally recognized expert in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The SBME facility will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare innovation.
The realization of this facility was made possible through generous investments, including $25M in funding from the BC government, highlighting the importance of biomedical engineering to Canada’s future.
UBC Properties Trust is honoured to have brought this transformative project to life, reflecting UBC’s commitment to academic excellence, sustainability, and innovation. We look forward to seeing the impact SBME will have on students, researchers, and the broader community.
