Outstanding New Learning Environments

• Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
• J. Peter Meekison Student Centre
• Charles E. Fipke Centre for Innovative Research
• Field Reading Room

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Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

April 2008 saw the opening of one of the marvels of UBC: the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. Built around the refurbished core of the 1925 Main Library, the Learning Centre offers a quarter-million square feet of space for learning and research. Irving K. Barber’s gift in 2002 has given life to his vision of a learning centre for British Columbia where people could connect, interact and share knowledge with each other across a table or across the province. The Learning Centre has Canada’s first robotic library storage unit, wireless Internet throughout, videoconferencing facilities and digitization projects that offer open and unrestricted access to rare and valuable library collections.

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J. Peter Meekison Student Centre

Students at UBC Okanagan have a new place for relaxing, studying, socializing and snacking. The J. Peter Meekison Student Centre occupies the ground floor of the new University Centre, which opened in August 2009. Here, students have food services, a used book store, theatre, pub, credit union and health clinic at their fingertips. The J. Peter Meekison Student Centre was made possible by a gift from an anonymous donor.

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Charles E. Fipke Centre for Innovative Research

The Charles E. Fipke Centre for Innovative Research at UBC Okanagan officially opened in November 2008. This new centre accommodates programs for several faculties, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to research and learning. Named for geologist, alumnus and donor Charles Fipke, the centre is also a green building that uses geothermal energy and a wind tower for heating, cooling and ventilation.

The Charles E. Fipke Centre has earned an unprecedented five Green Globes from the Building Owners and Managers Association of Canada. This is equivalent to a LEED platinum standard, and the Charles E. Fipke Centre is the first laboratory building in Canada to achieve this rating.

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Field Reading Room

Also at UBC Okanagan, the Field Reading Room in the Library opened in spring 2008 to provide students with an inviting place to reflect, write, study and collaborate. The Field Reading Room was made possible by a gift from Brad and Lori Field, long-time Kelowna residents, dedicated volunteers and civic leaders. The room is a quiet, comfortable oasis, yet has all the high-tech features of the Library.

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