OVERVIEW
While remaining in constant use since construction in 1925 as a ‘temporary’ building, by
the 1990’s UBC’s 585 seat Old Auditorium had deteriorated badly and was being
considered for demolition. Due to severe academic and rehearsal space shortages in
their current building, the School of Music insisted that ‘Old Aud’ be retained and
retrofitted to support a growing voice and opera program. The COLBORNE
ARCHITECTURAL GROUP Pacific was commissioned to review the 26,000 sq.ft building’s
current condition, requirements for code upgrades and potential to meet space and
technical needs of the Opera Program. This led to a final concept and approval to
proceed with detailed design/ contract documents for a 6,000 sq.ft 2 storey addition,
introduction of a 60-person orchestra pit in the main hall and creation of new rehearsal
and administrative office space. Final scope included seismic upgrades, all-new
mechanical-electrical and theatre systems.