UBC Quantum Matter Institute
Martin Tessler

UBC Quantum Matter Institute

PUBLIC Architecture + Communication als Architecten

The Quantum Matter Institute houses an interdisciplinary group of researchers that study things at the atomic scale. Situated in the Applied Science Precinct of the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus, this slender corner addition is both a gateway and a connector. The QMI creates a new portal to the precinct, serves as a new formal entrance to the Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory (AMPEL) and collocates quantum researchers for the first time, creating the potential for research synergies in this ground-breaking field. Just as silicone was the basis of a microelectronics revolution, quantum research could lead to new industries in fields such as electronics, solar energy, and medicine.


The QMI creates its own identity while enhancing the integrity of its neighbours. The white brick cladding mixed with black and grey relates to the campus palette while revealing the chemical compound of the crystal lattices that form the foundation for the majority of QMI’s research. The corners of the building have been chamfered as required for site constraints and reveal a crystal structure of corbelled masonry. As if affected by a giant magnet, all of the bricks align from north to south.


Quantum research is best carried out underground because vibrations from sources as insignificant as a footstep can ruin an experiment. QMI has four underground vaults and a series of above-ground laboratories that provide a high degree of control over the environment. To ensure the vibration performance of these predictable spaces, the entire building is decoupled from its site with isolation pads and absorptive membranes below grade and the laboratories are stacked in a reinforced concrete structure designed to be as stiff as possible. The laboratories are designed to support long-term flexibility, acting as re-configurable stages upon which new research activities can unfold.


While quantum experiments flourish in vacuum chambers, the growth of quantum ideas does not. Integration between researchers is essential for new discoveries. Taking inspiration from the crystal lattices – “the interfaces are where things get interesting,” according to one researcher – the building fosters a fluid work flow by laminating predictable lab space with unpredictable offices, meeting rooms and lounges. Every time QMI users enter or leave a floor, they are momentarily taken out of their routine as they pass through a gathering space that skews and transforms the pragmatic. These gathering spaces are located at the junctures where the QMI and AMPEL meet, becoming platforms for social interaction and the cross-pollination of ideas.


The QMI has been registered with the CAGBC and is pursuing certification at the gold level. The project team’s largest hurdle to overcome was reducing the energy consumption required by laboratory process loads. Key strategies included minimizing the number of air changes in laboratories and implementing a fume hood sash management program.

Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
Nieuws
Square and Tourist Office: Emerging finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024
18 mrt. 2024 Nieuws
Plein en VVV-kantoor: Opkomende finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024

In deze Archello-serie bekijken we elk van de zeven genomineerde projecten (vijf architectuurfinalis... Meer

Introducing Partner Motion Facades
18 mrt. 2024 Partnernieuws
Introductie van Partner Motion Facades

Motion Facades is gespecialiseerd in het leveren van geavanceerde gevelsystemen voor luxe vastgoedpr... Meer

Bergendy Cooke, Grégoire Du Pasquier, Ruth Baleiko and Mathew Albores join Archello Awards 2024 jury panel
18 mrt. 2024 Archello Awards
Bergendy Cooke, Grégoire Du Pasquier, Ruth Baleiko en Mathew Albores lid van jury Archello Awards 2024

Architecten Bergendy Cooke, Grégoire Du Pasquier, Ruth Baleiko en Mathew Albores zijn aangeko... Meer

JSWD completes new office complex in Bonn unified by triangular facade elements
15 mrt. 2024 Nieuws
JSWD voltooit nieuw kantorencomplex in Bonn met driehoekige gevelelementen

Internationaal architectenbureau JSWD heeft het kantorencomplex Neuer Kanzlerplatz in de stad Bonn,... Meer

Archello Awards 2024 expands with 'Firm Awards'
15 mrt. 2024 Archello Awards
Archello Awards 2024 breidt uit met 'Firm Awards'.

Vandaag introduceert Archello een nieuwe reeks Firm Awards categorieën om de reikwijdte van het... Meer

Studio Egret West develops plans for new Passivhaus homes
14 mrt. 2024 Nieuws
Studio Egret West ontwikkelt plannen voor nieuwe Passivhaus-woningen

Het in Londen gevestigde multidisciplinaire architectuur- en ontwerppraktijk Studio Egret West heeft... Meer