大象传媒

By Natalie Lim

Fifty years ago, 大象传媒 was celebrating its fifth anniversary. Although Freedom Square and the Reflecting Pond were already iconic campus locations, there was no pub on the mountain, the 大象传媒 Gallery had just opened, and UniverCity was still a set of blueprints. The Burnaby campus has come a long way since then鈥攁nd the official adoption of the Burnaby 2065 Campus Master Plan means the next 50 years will be even more exciting.

After two years of research, engagement and consultation with the community, this master plan鈥攁 project led by 大象传媒 Campus Planning and Development鈥攚as adopted by 大象传媒鈥檚 board of governors in March as the guiding document for future development on the Burnaby campus.

鈥湸笙蟠解�檚 Burnaby 2065 Campus Master Plan exemplifies our vision and values as Canada鈥檚 Engaged University,鈥� says 大象传媒 President Andrew Petter.

鈥淚 am particularly gratified by the ways in which the plan reflects and projects our commitments to enhance the student experience, respect Indigenous peoples and cultures, create vibrant campus spaces, and model sustainability in all that we do.鈥�  

Guiding principles

From more venues that showcase local art, music and culture to a mobility corridor that will enhance accessibility to creative methods of integrating greenery into the campus, construction projects described in the plan are built around seven guiding principles that align with 大象传媒鈥檚 broader mission. These principles include enhancing connectivity and movement, fostering sustainability and resilience, and supporting Indigenization across the campus.

鈥淲e wanted this plan to reflect the wants, needs and values of the 大象传媒 community,鈥� says Elizabeth Starr, campus planner. 鈥淒uring the consultation process, we gathered input in the form of interviews, open houses, and an interactive map-based survey.鈥�

鈥淭he result is a plan inspired by and created for the community鈥攐ne that celebrates our remarkable architectural legacy and builds on the strengths of our location while providing opportunities for gathering, celebration and movement across the campus.鈥�

The plan in action

While some projects outlined in the master plan may not materialize until 2065, there are exciting initiatives already underway. The new Corix Biomass plant, set to complete construction this fall, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the Burnaby campus by 80 percent. The biomass plant is just one example of how projects laid out in the plan will help 大象传媒 achieve its goals鈥攊n this case, reducing 大象传媒鈥檚 carbon footprint in line with the university鈥檚 2020-2025 Strategic Sustainability Plan.

Another project, the First Peoples鈥� Gathering House, is slated for completion in 2023. In response to a recommendation by 大象传媒鈥檚 Aboriginal Reconciliation Council, the Gathering House will act as a shared social space for 大象传媒鈥檚 Indigenous community, as well as a cultural hub for the use and education of 大象传媒 community members. 

Other projects that aim to be completed in the next few years include the Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum and new residence buildings for 大象传媒 students.

Who can use the plan?

The Burnaby 2065 Campus Master Plan lays out a framework that will guide 大象传媒鈥檚 evolving physical campus over the next 50 years. Anyone interested in developing the campus, whether a faculty member interested in upgrading their department鈥檚 research facilities or a student with an idea for a new art installation, can look to the master plan for direction.

A bright vision for the future

As the world navigates an unprecedented time of change and uncertainty due to COVID-19, envisioning brighter futures can be one source of hope. The Burnaby 2065 Campus Master Plan provides a bold vision to work towards, and a reminder that the 大象传媒 campus鈥攁nd the community that gives it life鈥攚ill still be here in 50 years, with doors open to all who want to connect, learn and engage. 

Read the Burnaby 2065 Campus Master Plan

For more information, you can check out the Burnaby 2065 Campus Master Plan magazine, or visit the Burnaby 2065 website.