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The University of British Columbia's start an evolution campaign aims to raise $1.5 billion dollars for students, research and community engagement and to double the number of alumni involved annually in the life of the university by 2015.

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Alumni Centre

Alumni Centre Timeline

1999
Value of central gathering place recognized
2004
University Square location realized.
Oct. 2005
Alumni Centre received Executive approval
2005 – 2006
Stakeholder groups consulted
2006
Master Space Program completed
2008 – 2009
Consultation and updated program
March 2010
Alumni Board approves agreements
April 2010
University BoG approves agreements
2010
Architects assigned to building
May – Dec 2010
Architectural Schematic Design
Dec 2010 – April 2011
Program and Design feedback sought
In Progress
Architectural Design Development
Next Steps
Construction and Occupancy

1999 – Value of central gathering place recognized.

Cecil Green Park House, the current location of UBC Alumni Affairs, is a beautiful event venue but can’t offer any services or a home for alumni.

In the process of improving how alumni were valued by the institution, it became apparent that Alumni did not feel welcome on campus and had no central location to gather and re-engage. It was determined that the Alumni Association should look into the feasibility of building an Alumni Centre. This was the first time the project was envisioned.
2004 – University Square location realized.

Overview of the University Square proposed plan. Dark grey is new construction and green is new or existing landscaping.

With the University’s plans to completely redevelop the University Square region, it was determined that an Alumni Centre would be a great fit with the area. After students’ protested against market housing and commercial area in the square, the Alumni Centre became an even greater focus for the area as it represented a greater connection to the University community.
Oct. 2005 – Alumni Centre received Executive approval

One of the early artistic renderings used to discuss the feasibility of the project and gain support from all parties.

The executive of the university gave the project it’s official approval and supported the idea of an Alumni Centre on campus and in the University Square area. This gave the Alumni Association the certainty they needed to proceed and start the process to build a centre.
2005 – 2006 – Stakeholder groups consulted

A banner is displayed during one of the Alumni Centre consultation events.

One of the most important steps in the process was to consult alumni to ensure that the need for the building and the space inside it matched to what the Alumni Association believed was the need. Stakeholder groups were consulted around the feasibility and functionality of the proposed centre.
2006 – Master Space Program completed

The Alumni Centre Master Program

After consulting alumni, the university, and the Alumni Association, RPG Planning Group was able to draft a Master Space Program which outlined how much space was needed, what type of space was needed, and how everything inside the building should connect. This program would be used as a guiding document for the architects in design.
2008 – 2009 – Consultation and updated program

A staff member talks to UBC Alumni about the proposed Alumni Centre project during Alumni Weekend.

After a variety of changes to the University Square plan, and after a few years of validating the space program, more consultation in the form of surveys and charrettes were undertaken and an updated space plan was created. This was an update to the original plan and was also done by RPG Planning Group.
March 2010 – Alumni Board approves agreements

The Cecil Green Park House Boardroom

Partnership Agreements between the University and the Alumni Association are approved by the Alumni Association Board of Directors. This, along with the respective approval from the Board of Governors, officially approves the outline for how the two parties will work together to make the Alumni Centre a reality. This agreement includes an MOU, a ground lease, a finance agreement, and a design, planning and construction agreement.
April 2010 – University BoG approves agreements

The University BoG meets in the new University Centre at UBC-O to discuss the agreements with the Alumni Association.

Right after the Alumni Board of Directors approved the agreements, the University Board of Governors did the same, making the agreements mentioned above official.
2010 – Architects assigned to building

The HCMA partners at their Vancouver office. Karen Marler, the principle on the Alumni Project is the second from the left.

Due to the agreements approved by the two boards, the current architects designing the square were chosen to design the Alumni Centre project. The firms HCMA and KPMB, a local firm, and a Toronto firm, were chosen as the architects on record.
May – Dec 2010 – Architectural Schematic Design

Schematic designs of the Alumni Centre first floor.

In collaboration with the Building Committee team, the architects designed a building to meet the requirements of the space program. In December 2010, the Alumni Centre Committee, made up of representatives from the Alumni Association and the University, officially approved the schematic design of the building.
Dec 2010-April 2011 – Program and Design feedback sought

Alumni discuss the floor plans and renderings at the Roundhouse Community Centre in downtown Vancouver.

Through focused events, charrettes, and a survey offered to all alumni, the Alumni Association sought feedback on the program and design of the building. Over 1500 alumni took part and provided a large amount of data to justify the proposed program.
In Progress – Architectural Design Development

Detailed architectural design of the 3rd floor of the Alumni Centre.

The architects are currently working on the detailed design drawings of the building. This is an important process to validate the LEED sustainability potential and the budget. Throughout this process, the building will be evaluated to ensure it meets the programming needs of the Alumni Association. After this process is complete, construction of the building can start.
Next Steps – Construction and Occupancy

Artist’s rendering of the proposed Alumni Centre looking North West.

Once the Alumni Association raises the remainder of the money needed to finance the building, and the architects complete the Design Development, the building will begin construction. It is expected to take just under 2 years after the start of construction to secure occupancy.