LEGACY – UBC

Legacy was the fourth project by Integra Architecture at University of British Columbia in a series of developments that are part of the Mid Campus residential neighbourhood. The expectations of the approval agencies and community were very high. The project has more than met the challenge in spite of the property having an inefficient triangular shape and a considerable grade change, Creative design was required to develop an economical one level parkade within the slope. Careful massing and stepping of the building minimized potential view loss from the residents of the surrounding buildings.

The building is integrated with its environment. A visual and physical connection to the adjacent forest is created with an entry bridge at the lobby. The landscaped courtyard to the west becomes an extension of the adjacent neighbourhood park. An on-site creek and reflecting pond, fed from an aquifer to relieve subsoil pressures, is visually tied into the water features. The West Coast Modern building style was pioneered by architectural leaders trained at the university. The natural stained cedar soffits and soaring entry fin are iconic West Coast features. Simple forms, clean lines, the massive brick walls, and granite fencing anchor the building to the site and reflect the surrounding campus vernacular.