Media Release: January 28, 2013
Source: UBC Public Affairs
Design and lifestyle magazine Wallpaper* has bestowed its 2013 'Best Lab' award to the University of British Columbia's new Pharmaceutical Sciences Building.
Wallpaper* writer Hadani Ditmars describes the building as "striking," "instantly engaging" and a "crowd-pleasing piece of controlled drama." The award, Ditmars explains, recognizes the architect's inspiration of two trees entwining and that "(the building) pays homage to the debt science owes to nature."
Since 2004, the UK-based lifestyle magazine's design awards have recognized the best of the year across a range of categories, including art, architecture, design and fashion. The 2013 judging panel included leading names such as designer Rick Owens, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Wang Shu and visual artist Julian Opie, alongside Wallpaper* magazine staff and contributors.
Officially opened on September 18, 2012, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences building was designed by Montreal's Saucier + Perrotte Architectes and Vancouver's Hughes Condon Marler Architects. The quarter-million square-foot state-of-the art facility was also recognized with a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence in 2012 and aims to achieve LEED Gold certification.
"Our new building gives us the means to host all teaching, learning, research and community outreach activities under one roof," says Robert Sindelar, dean and professor, UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. "We are honoured that our new building has received such a prestigious award and we would like to congratulate Saucier + Perrotte Architectes and Hughes Condon Marler Architects on this exceptional achievement."