UBC Student Union Building ^Commercial

The UBC Student Union Building is a 23,000-square-meter facility built in the heart of the UBC campus. “The Nest” is the central hub for students to study, socialize, dine, and shop. Notable features include eight eateries, several shops and services, multi-use rooms, study lounges, and a 3-story climbing wall. The central atrium features an architecturally stunning structure constructed to resemble a bird’s nest. This performance space includes a lounge on top, providing a bird’s eye view of the atrium and campus beyond. The Student Union Building is a complex structure consisting of several electrical systems, including power, lighting, fire alarm, security, communications, lighting controls, and information metering. In addition to the base building electrical systems, there were several fit-ups of tenant spaces, including restaurants, commercial kitchens, a radio station, a pub, and a multi-purpose gymnasium. The design uses various finishing treatments, including decorative lighting in the eateries and public spaces, theatre dimming controls in the pub and performance spaces, and information metering to monitor energy usage in student study rooms. An extensive communications infrastructure provides connectivity for students and visitors throughout the building. Security systems, an enhanced fire alarm system, and emergency backup power provide public safety and security.