This project involves the comprehensive renewal of the existing Jack Bell Building, including complete interior reconfiguration, seismic and Code upgrades, and envelope, electrical and mechanical systems replacement. These measures will significantly extend the building’s service life and allow it to better serve its core users—UBC’s School of Social Work (SOWK) and Faculty of Arts. The project aims to actively reflect and support user values by modernizing the teaching, learning and social spaces of the building and creating spaces that actively bring students, staff and visitors together in an accessible and inclusive learning community.

UBC’s Jack Bell Building Renewal is pursuing ZCB Design Standard certification, leveraging the substantial carbon savings from the reuse of the existing building’s original concrete and steel structure combined with energy and emissions savings from a complete replacement of the building’s existing poorly performing envelope and mechanical systems with modern, high-performance systems.