Canadian Architect magazine has recognized a significant building project in the design stage across Canada with its 2012 awards of excellence.

Awards are given for architectural design excellence. Jurors considered response to the program, site, geographical and social context, and evaluated physical organization, structure, materials and environmental features.

Awards of excellence were given to:

Battersby Howat Architects Inc. – UBC Geological Field School in Oliver

The facilities for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Geological Field School are located at the edge of an 80-acre parcel of land near Oliver adjacent to the White Lake Grasslands Protected Area and the Susie Mine. The site falls within the Southern Okanagan Basin Ecosection, characterized by dramatic rock outcroppings, dry grasslands and open pine forests.

The intention is to build 10 new buildings to replace the existing camp buildings that are reaching the end of their lifespan and to augment the facilities for increased capacity while better facilitating course instruction. The new camp consists of a dining and lecture hall combined with a map-study cabin, as well as sleeping and bathing facilities for students and faculty. The Geological Field School will be used by UBC Earth and Ocean Science students, faculty and staff for two weeks in May and will accommodate approximately 90 people.

The plan is to have this complete by late 2014.