Diamond Schmitt Architects and CEI Architecture have joined forces to renovate and expand the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Life Sciences Undergraduate Teaching Labs. The $51.8-million project will be designed to achieve LEED Gold certification.

“CEI and Diamond Schmitt look forward to renewing UBC’s Life Sciences teaching labs with state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments that align with advances in pedagogy,” says Donald Schmitt, principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects.

The project will add approximately 175,000 square feet to the complex, which is located at the centre of UBC’s Vancouver campus. The additions will provide:

• A new greenhouse and rooftop research space with a four-storey link to surrounding buildings;
• Flexible and modern teaching laboratories and associated classrooms;
• Group and informal learning spaces;
• Instructor offices; and
• An expanded courtyard.

The existing mechanical and electrical facilities will also be upgraded.

Prior to this, CEI and Diamond Schmitt most recently collaborated on the UBC Faculty of Law at Allard Hall (2011).