D-Block Heritage Renovation

ON TUESDAY MARCH 4, 2008 the oldest building on UBC's Vancouver campus reopened with new state-of-the-art research and learning facilities and its historic character intact.

The renewal of the Chemistry Building is the latest project of UBC Renew, a $120-million partnership between UBC and the provincial government designed to breathe new life into older buildings on B.C.’s oldest and largest university campus.

Construction of the Chemistry Building (originally the Science Building) began in 1914 but was halted due to World War I. Work resumed in 1923, following the historic Great Trek , when 1,200 students marched from 12th and Cambie to the Point Grey campus, and occupied the uncompleted building. The protest resulted in the provincial government continuing to develop infrastructure at UBC.

Major discoveries have been made in the building, including Neil Bartlett's discovery of the first noble gas compound and technology that led to the creation of QLT, UBC’s best known spin-off company.

Below is a quick overview of the renovation.

The State-of-the-Art Research Laboratories

The renovation includes new lecture theatres, student space, 'open laboratories' with enhanced safety features and a building seismic upgrade.

New Synthetic Labs

workstation in synthetic labs
Workstation in new synthetic labs

Fumehood in synthetic labs

Whiteboards for discussions

Sink and storage area

fumehood detail
Detail of state-of-the-art fumehoods
infrastructure of synthetic labs
Infrastructure for synthetic labs

doorway to Theory Lab
An entranceway

Theoretical Chemistry Labs

The Theory Group (currently five profs plus two research-active retired profs) has a huge open "lab" that will house all theory students, postdocs and collaborators. A room in the basement has been specifically designed to house a huge computer cluster and will serve the Theory Group as well as general department needs.

workstation in Theory Lab
Chalkboard for discussions

Workstation in new theoretical chemistry labs

Historic Features Preserved

One of three buildings in the original 1912 campus plan, the Chemistry Building features B.C. granite on its façade in the Collegiate Gothic style, complete with copper scuppers and gargoyles, and traditional oak trimmed interiors, all of which have been preserved in the Renew process.