UBC AMS SUB + HBBH+BH

Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden has been selected as architects of the new UBC AMS Student Union Building.

Two others firms had been short-listed in addition to HBBH+BH: Bing Thom Architects and Busby Perkins+Will. To the AMS's credit, the selection process was comprehensive and engaged.

Some first thoughts on the SUB design from HBBH+BH. See their SUB-specific website for full text:

"The new SUB will function like an agora - an arena for the community to express its values. It will be a space where student culture will flourish. Local values can be expressed in light of global concerns."

Sustainability was a key part of their submission, stressing a 'green' approach to the design. So was accessibility and transparency, particularly important given the student population who will be using the building. HBBH+HB also introduced the idea of a 'design cube' (pictured above) - an on-site office to work from to better engage the campus community.

CBC

Two opposing views of the new HBBH-designed CBC addition: Alex Waterhouse-Hayward's blog piece from last year and Adele Weder's recent profile in Canadian Architect.

I can sympathize with Waterhouse-Hayward's view- like him I had a fondness for the CBC building as it was originally designed, by Paul Merrick of Thompson, Berwick + Pratt. It was of its era, its Brutalist style reflecting both architectural and broadcasting currents at the time.

I also agree that we can be too quick to alter buildings merely because their style has fallen out of favour. Every building has a story to tell, yet additions to existing structures are a reality and an artform in themselves. Sympathetically designed they can lead to an enriched dialogue, like this or the VAG's current Erickson/Rattenbury home.

I think Weder nails it when she defends HBBH's addition as flowing from a new directive for broadcasting and media in general, one that started with the client: it is becoming more democratic and transparent in a way that was difficult to anticipate even a few years ago.

Merrick's concrete edifice and HBBH's glass-faced newsroom contrast two distinct solutions that speak to the CBC's evolving mandate.

Image: Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden

Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre

Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden's Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre has just won its category in the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, Spain. 

One of only 4 Canadian projects shortlisted amongst 220 projects (and 722 initially entered), the win comes shortly after the project was awarded a Governor General's Medal in Architecture in Ottawa. The GG's recognize the best in Canadian architecture over the last few years and also included wins by Patkau Architects and Ian MacDonald. 

Both accolades reward a project that has been an important step forward for the Nk'Mip as well as cultural tourism in general. The building features a remarkable rammed earth wall as well as a sensitive relationship to its desert surroundings. Kudos to both the Nk'mip and HBBH for having the vision to bring the project to fruition.

Photo: HBBH