To support a Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grant application in December 1999, The Colborne Architectural Group Pacific was requested to develop the concept for a 42,500-sq. ft. building on UBC's West Mall. The client envisioned a facility with labs and offices to unite 'international caliber' researchers in the area of global fish stock management. The site is a 100 ft. x 220 ft. 'left over' space fronting on a major north-south campus street and contained by a, multi-level parkade to the rear with new 2 and 3 storey buildings on either side. The users wanted large, open floor areas for maximum planning flexibility with ground floor, 100 person 'Communications Centre', library and public reception areas to showcase research projects.

The design fills out the site with a 3 storey, concrete frame structure (approx. 15,000-sq. ft./ floor). Responding to site opportunities, glazing is maximized along the east (major public frontage) and south building faces (prime views, sunlight) with the west (parkade) and north exposures (adjacent building, north light) treated with strategically placed window openings in metal panel cladding. The building gently curves from south to north, reducing building mass and directing pedestrian traffic to and from the parkade as well as the main building entry. The entry is marked by a major vertical mast element for visibility up and down West Mall.

The building's mechanical-electrical systems are envisioned as simple but highly energy efficient, relying on an in-slab radiant heating/ cooling system with opening windows for user comfort, avoiding energy-consuming air-conditioning. Base building cost is estimated at $6.1M or $143/sq. ft., 1999.