Have you ever walked past the West Mall Annex at the University of British Columbia? It may look like any other building on campus but it holds a fascinating history and a special place in the hearts of UBC students and faculty. This unassuming structure, known as building 863-1 in UBC’s building numbering system, has been a bustling hub of activity for many years.
Since the 1970s, these walls have echoed with lectures and discussions about community planning and the future of our cities. Inside these classrooms, students have learned from renowned scholars who have shaped the field of urban planning and social justice. The Annex housed the School of Community and Regional Planning, which has shaped the minds of generations of urban thinkers.
Imagine sitting in one of these classrooms – the air is thick with anticipation as the professor shares an illuminating anecdote about a community engagement project or dives deep into complicated policy issues. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with eager students discussing ideas, collaborating on projects, developing solutions for real world problems.
Even though the School of Community and Regional Planning has moved to a new, modern building, the West Mall Annex remains a valuable piece of UBC’s history. It stands as a testament to a time when a modest building served as a vessel for shaping the minds of students and influencing the future of our communities. If you’re at UBC, take a moment to appreciate its simple beauty and the stories that resonate within those walls.