CORNELIA HAHN OBERLANDER

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C. K. Choi Building at UBC

In collaboration with the Architect and the project team, a sustainable landscape solution was developed for the Institute of Asian Research to challenge us to "re-think the nature of our human activities and their impact on the biosphere" (World Conservation Strategy) yet support clearly established design principles. The landscape echoes the uniqueness of the facility and sets new standards for environmental responsibility based on current research.

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The University of British Columbia is to be congratulated for being a leader in the field for commissioning the design of an environmentally responsible building and landscape. In order to achieve the goal of an environmentally sustainable landscape a management strategy was established: The building and landscape responded to issues of ozone depletion, global warming, indoor and outdoor air pollution. Nature and built form co-exist in harmony. Native plants are enlisted, particularly those that need little maintenance. Columnar street trees were used so as not to block light. Only existing soil was used and it was amended with organic matter to support plant life. Only non-toxic biological fertilizer was introduced. All chemical pesticides were avoided. An appropriate program for organic composting was developed. A water efficient subsurface irrigation system based on the principle of 'xeriscaping' was introduced: a method that conserves water and protects the environment. Storm water is stored for gradual absorption. Re-cycled paving material was used. Trench for re-cycled gray water with marsh vegetation.

C. K. CHOI INSTITUTE OF ASIAN RESEARCH UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, VANCOUVER, B.C. Client: Project completion: Architects: Landscape Architect: Mechanical Engineer:

University of British Columbia 1995 Matsuzaki Wright Architects Eva Matsuzaki, Joanne Perdue Cornelia Oberlander Landscape Architect Cornelia Oberlander, Elisabeth Whitelaw Keen Engineering Kevin Hydes, Jeanette Frost

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