UBC Robson Square: Watch this space

Janet Hutton poses with new Robson Square signage

In the heart of downtown Vancouver is a thriving hub of learning and community engagement.

As the university implements its strategic plan: Shaping UBC’s Next Century, under the leadership of President Santa Ono, UBC Robson Square is playing a key role in the continuation of a journey that began 18 years ago.

“Each year we welcome more than 33,000 people to participate in a range of courses, seminars and programs,” explains director Jane Hutton, who has been deeply involved in Robson Square since its inception.

“Activities are hosted by UBC Extended Learning, as well as UBC Sauder School of Business’ Executive Education and Continuing Business Education programs, and many Faculties invite participants from around the region to important public events,” Jane continues. “Innovation UBC’s entrepreneurship@UBC business incubator is also onsite.”

“Each year we welcome more than 33,000 people to participate in a range of courses, seminars and programs.
Jane Hutton

A hub for learning, innovating and connecting. Photo by Paul Joseph

And more change is on the way. Following the signing of a new lease on the site, the space will undergo some major transformations over the next few years. In addition to substantial interior upgrades that include enhancements to classrooms and lighting, Jane will be working with architects to design a new street entrance that will improve wayfinding and further affirm the university’s presence.

“The new entrance will be designed to announce, invite and welcome, in celebration of all the opportunity that’s within,” she says.

As things change, one thing that remains constant is the importance of community programming and partnerships at UBC Robson Square, now and in the future.

“We’re proud to partner with Robson Square to deliver on the university’s academic and community engagement goals,” explains Karen Rolston, program director for UBC Extended Learning.

“It’s exciting to know that the facility will be enhanced, creating an even more inviting and effective space for learning, innovating and connecting.”

It’s exciting to know that the facility will be enhanced, creating an even more inviting and effective space for learning, innovating and connecting.
Jane Hutton

One of many learning spaces at UBC Robson Square. Photo by Paul Joseph

On any given day UBC Robson Square welcomes a diverse range of people – from young entrepreneurs working on their latest start-up ventures, health-care professionals and aspiring lawyers attending workshops, to community organizations running special events on public policy, architecture or mental health issues.

Bruce Wiesner, Associate Dean, Executive Education, at UBC Sauder School of Business, has also witnessed the growth of UBC’s downtown Vancouver learning site.

“Robson Square plays such an important role for UBC Sauder,” he explains. “The nature of our school and its dynamic programming means that it’s vital that we have a strong presence within the business community. UBC Robson Square, located in the heart of the downtown Vancouver business community, allows us to partner with business leaders throughout the region.”

Located in the famous Arthur Erickson-designed Robson Square civic centre and plaza, UBC Robson Square has recently enhanced its presence by installing new eye-catching, illuminated signage at street level.

UBC Robson Square – how it began

Few people can say that they’ve helped create a thriving learning space like UBC Robson Square. However, Jane Hutton, who has been at UBC for 39 years, played an instrumental role in securing the facility back in December 2000.

At that time, UBC was providing business development and continuing studies courses in hotel meeting spaces and smaller leased office space scattered throughout downtown Vancouver.

“We were housed in little pockets all over the city, without a recognized centre,” Jane explains.

“Our former university President Martha Piper recognized the potential in the city core, and decided to consolidate our activities and create UBC Robson Square.”

Several sites were considered. Robson Square was chosen due to its location, civic connections and accessible transit.

Jane adds: “It was a bit of a hidden gem—a vibrant space in the busy heart of the city, with park-like gardens and waterfalls that add a special campus feel.”

The fact that it was designed by Arthur Erickson, the architect for UBC’s Museum of Anthropology and Koerner Library, added a layer of connection to the main campus. Robson Square was envisioned by Erickson, the City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia as a cultural and civic precinct, Jane notes. “To add an educational facility and innovation hub seemed like an ideal fit,” she says.

UBC wasn’t the only interested party in securing the unique space and some tense, 11^th-hour negotiations were required to finally seal the deal. “When our doors opened, and students started flooding in, it was so validating,” says Jane. “I just knew UBC belonged here.”