Arts Student Centre at Brock Commons
The largest faculty at UBC, the Faculty of Arts, needed a new common space to help accommodate its over 16,000 students. The Meekison Arts Student Space within the ground level of the Buchanan Block D building was deemed insufficient for the growing needs of the faculty.
In 2012, the Arts Undergraduate Society envisioned a multipurpose community space for Arts students to gather — a vision nearly 10 years in the making. UBC Properties stepped in as the project manager to help bring the vision to life.
The eye-catching building starkly contrasts the neighbouring ones with black exterior cladding and a cylindrical shape. It uses wood and glass elements, creating a welcoming open-concept space with natural light flooding the interior. Sustainable elements are included throughout, such as the metal fins to prevent bird strikes and minimize solar heat, automated ventilation systems for natural cooling, and a large glass facade for light and airflow.
The new Arts Student Centre has a common area with sofas on the first floor, open space on the second floor, and the top floor has bookable meeting rooms, workspaces, and lounge chairs.
The Centre was initially designated to be built south of Brock Hall. A new location was sought and confirmed, and the Board of Governors approved the project to proceed in 2020. Working with stakeholders to adjust the location and implement a new design, the building was completed on time within the tight budget allocated.
