Designing for Excellence: A Case Study of UBC’s Campus Innovation

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has emerged as a global leader in campus design, blending aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. This case study explores UBC’s innovative approach to campus planning, focusing on how strategic design principles enhance the student experience, foster collaboration, and contribute to environmental stewardship.

Strategic Design Method (SDM): Inclusive Planning

UBC employs the Strategic Design Method (SDM), a participatory framework that involves students, faculty, and community members in the design process. This iterative approach encourages collaboration, ensuring that spaces are not only functional but also resonate with the campus community.

Key projects using SDM include:

• Student Learning Hubs: These adaptable spaces integrate feedback from students to optimize layouts for group study, solo work, and workshops.

• Indigenous Design Principles: Collaborations with local First Nations groups have led to the incorporation of culturally significant elements in architectural and landscape designs.

Sustainability as a Core Pillar

UBC’s commitment to sustainability is woven into its campus design. The campus is home to the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), a living lab for green technologies. Features include: