Lecture Theatre, UBC Friedman Building

Lecture Theatre 153 reconfigures the 1950s auditorium as an accessible and engaging learning lecture hall. Rather than approaching the project as only a technical upgrade, the design focuses on reinterpreting the experience of the room and improving how students and instructors interact.
The architectural approach is organized around vernacular materials. Vertical acoustic wall panels bring texture and cadence to the side walls, while also improving the sound quality of the lecture hall. Linear lighting is integrated into the ceiling and wall edges to emphasize the depth of the room, guide the eye toward the teaching area, and create a softer and more uniform quality of light throughout.
The colour palette of the seating lends the room a vibrant character, selected to align with UBC’s visual identity while bringing energy and variation to the auditorium. Through improved sight lines, ergonomic seating, acoustic upgrades, and integrated AV systems, the renovation transforms Lecture Theatre 153 into a contemporary learning space that supports teaching, collaboration, and the evolving needs of academic life.