UBC/UEL Updates Discussion

[Large Cat]

Originally Posted by christmas

Here are some more renderings for Central

Very interesting to see these plans! Any info on whether the new transit hub is going to consolidate all of the buses, or whether the trolleys will remain on University Blvd?

[urbancanadian]

The trolly bus loop will remain as is. So this is just for the diesel buses. The latest concept had student/faculty residences located above part of the at-grade bus loop.

What you may be interested in though - Westbrook Mall is going to be rebuilt between Student Union Boulevard and Thunderbird Boulevard. Improvements will include separated bike lanes.

More info here: http://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/pla...sity-boulevard

[BodomReaper]

Terrific to see that the hideous medical block between the David Strangway Building and the Wesbrook Building is slated for mixed-use redevelopment. Certainly one of the biggest eyesores on campus.

[osirisboy]

Construction starts today on that 18 floor wood building, UBC announced today. Should be finished in sept 2017

[Large Cat]

Originally Posted by urbancanadian

The trolly bus loop will remain as is. So this is just for the diesel buses. The latest concept had student/faculty residences located above part of the at-grade bus loop.

What you may be interested in though - Westbrook Mall is going to be rebuilt between Student Union Boulevard and Thunderbird Boulevard. Improvements will include separated bike lanes.

More info here: http://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/pla...sity-boulevard

Wow, thank you so much for referencing this! I had no idea UBC had such amazing planning documents drawn up. There's SO much good stuff they want to make happen and are making happen. And you're right, I do really like the planned bike lanes on Wesbrook-- although it looks like there still wont be any physical separation, at least the buffer zone will be considerable as on Union St between Gore and Main, or on the coming renovations to SW Marine Dr.

The only question I have now is the exact location of the Skytrain station.

Actually, I've often wondered if UBC wouldn't be served better by 2 or 3 stations a la YVR, perhaps on Thunderbird somewhere and at Wesbrook Village as well as at University Blvd. That could cut down on a lot of community shuttle service hours and perhaps lead to shortening the 41, 49, 480, etc. during Skytrain running hours. I'm sure if the decision were made to go all the way to UBC at some point, UBC wouldnt be averse to chipping in on this, esp if they could use the stations to spur even more development.

[GlassCity]

UBC's really not thaaat big, I think one station where the bus loop will be would be fine. It would be nice to serve the Wesbrook Village but I'm not sure if it'll have the population to support it. Obviously there are stations that serve neighbourhoods that are smaller, but they have lots of bus lines serving them as well, whereas a Village station would be entirely local.

[officedweller]

From Acton Ostry Facebook January 13, 2016 - Aquatic Centre roof enclosed:


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Acton...963?fref=photo


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Acton...963?fref=photo


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Acton...963?fref=photo

[officedweller]

Cost is biggest challenge for UBC wood project

by Russell Hixson
Feb 3, 2016

One of the biggest challenges for designing what will soon be the world's tallest wood building wasn't the engineering – it was cost. "One of the major challenges is the economic situation," said Austrian architect Christoph Dünser, referring to University of British Columbia's (UBC) planned 18-storey student housing project.

"The easiest way to do it is to build up a honeycomb which involves a lot of wood and load-bearing construction, but you end up with a very high price because the wood is double as expensive as it is in Austria," he said.
...
...

http://journalofcommerce.com/Project...ject-1013287W/

[christmas]

Twill be the tallest wooden building in the world - UBC residence - 18fl

























http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2016/02/u...ock-residence/

[Jebby]

I'm guessing they're also going for the ugliest wood frame building in the world record?

[officedweller]

Aquatic Centre webcam (indoor):

http://142.103.95.35/index.php?cam=1

[whatnext]

Some pretty narrow slab towers going up as part of the Orchard Commons residences at UBC (my photos):

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[squeezied]

Originally Posted by whatnext

Some pretty narrow slab towers going up as part of the Orchard Commons residences at UBC (my photos):

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

I have mixed feelings about this project. I can appreciate that this is different and unique. I do immediately like the glass frontage along the narrow side and the curving striations on the wide side; however I do feel this is just novelty and the coolness factor will wear off over time. The wide side does look a bit oppressive imo.

[officedweller]

The curves are a nice variation on the typical dormitory look of buildings.
Essentially, the rooms would be hotel sized, so the window spacing is consistent.
i.e. compare to Place Vanier or Totem Park.

[permi]

No wood yet.

Picture taken by me Mar 29, 2016.
https://goo.gl/photos/GE1hoXP3v2ce6d4S9

[officedweller]

Thanks!
I didn't realize the location was near Gage Towers.

[BIMflash]

Thanks! Please post more during construction photos.

Brock Commons 'UBC Tall Wood' Student Residences

[CurtisVerbatim]

Here are some panoramas I took with my phone I took from the top of Orchard Commons. My apologies for the size of the images. I can't find the re-sizing option on on imgur anymore.
This one's from the top of North Tower:
[IMG][/IMG]
And these two are from the top of South Tower:
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

[Vin]

Thanks CurtisVerbatim! Those are very rare updated aerial views of UBC. The whole place is now like a mid-sized city.

[BodomReaper]

Thanks for the awesome panoramas! As someone normally scurrying along the ground there, it's nice to have this perspective.