When in Vancouver, any visitor interested in architecture and design should visit the University of British Columbia (UBC).

One of the main buildings on campus is the Life Sciences Centre (LSC), designed by B+H Architects (this project was completed by Bunting Coady Architects, whose operations were acquired by B+H in 2010) in joint venture with Diamond Schmitt Architects (Toronto).

The LSC (click on photo to enlarge and see slideshow) opened in six phases starting in September 2004. At over 560,000 sq ft., five stories, and a $125-million price tag, it is UBC’s largest building.

In 2006, the LSC was awarded the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification by the United States Green Building Council for its innovative sustainability features. LEED certification is awarded to leading-edge buildings that incorporate environmentally sustainable design, construction, and operational features to reduce environmental impact and, at the time, the LSC was the largest building in Canada to receive gold designation.

Focal Journey (by Gustavo Espinola)