University of British Columbia, Buchanan Courtyard Pavilion

The design challenge was to unify these courtyards, while preserving their distinct character. Campus planners envisioned the west courtyard as a gathering place – a centre of the arts, for outdoor exhibitions, lectures, and performances. The east courtyard, meanwhile, would be more informal, with the creation of a garden to collect rainwater and spaces for comfortable sitting, eating and studying.

Fast + Epp was asked to structurally design the central focal point for these two courtyards: a striking, twisted concrete pavilion, which rests in a reflecting pool (built to solve the space’s chronic stormwater management issues).

The resulting space has become a popular gathering space for students and the public alike.