Student Union Building (1963 and 1975)
The distinctive sculptural pillars were cast on site. Di Castri went to great lengths, including opening up a dry basement "moat" around the building, clerestory windows tucked under the soffits, and complex skylight structures to work with the sculptural effects of light within. A high point of the lounge was a "light sculpture" design by Di Castri himself.
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The second new building on the Gordon Head campus, the "SUB," was constructed between May 1962 and March 1965. It is a reinforced concrete building with brick masonry and stucco walls. The original one-storey section has a reception area, a public lounge, offices and activity rooms; its full basement includes a lower lounge. A sgraffito mural by Victoria artist Herbert Siebner was commissioned shortly after the building's completion.
In 1972, extensive renovations were carried out on the lower level, so as to improve the
recreation facilities and establish a licensed area (the "SUB Pub"). In 1975, there was a major
two-storey addition to the north, of which the most notable feature is a 302-seat theatre
equipped for film projection. A transit terminal was added in 1976.
Planned as a community centre for students and their guests, the "SUB" is occupied and
administered by the Alma Mater Society, to which all undergraduates must belong. Space is
provided for student clubs, student publications, and student radio station CFUV. The capital
costs of the original building and of subsequent additions were largely paid by the AMS.,
through an annual levy on all students.
Facts and Figures (original building)
Architect: John A. Di Castri
Structural: Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
Mechanical: F. T. Gardiner, P. Eng.
Electrical: Spratt & Associates
Contractor: Farmer Construction Ltd.
Contract: $298,209 (May 18, 1962); $299,293
Gross area: 18,900 sq. ft.
Cost per
square foot: $15.84
Omcial opening: March 30, 1963, by the Hon. Leslie R. Peterson, Minister of Education, with
Mr. Douglas Stewart, UBC A.M.S. President and former Victoria College A.M.S. President
Facts and Figures (1975 addition)
Architect: Siddall Dennis Warner
Structural: Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
Mechanical: D. W. Thomson & Company Ltd.
Electrical: D. W. Thomson & Company Ltd.
Contractor: Farmer Construction Ltd.
Contract: $875,294 (Mar. 26, 1975); $875,360
Gross area: 14,754 sq. ft.
Cost per
square foot: $59.33
Official opening: January 14, 1976
See UVic's maps and buildings description.
Photographs
Model (by former students Pamela Davis, Murray Down, Stephan Moser and Greg Randell)
Plans