UBC Undergraduate Research

A BENCHmark for sustainability : an investigation into sustainable art Schroeder, Jeff; Kim, Jin; Van Horn, Jeremy; Salli, Rachelle

Abstract

The new UBC Student Union Building (SUB) is projected to achieve a LEED Platinum+ standing upon completion. This world-renowned award acknowledges accomplishments in design and implementation of advanced eco-friendly buildings - a notable feat that SUB Design Committee would like to share with the public. As such, this report proposes that the Design Committee commission an inspiring art piece to go on display in the atrium of the new Student Union Building. This investigation assesses the feasibility and sustainability of implementing such an art piece made from recycled items. In keeping with the Design Committee’s goal of inspiration through human connection it is proposed that the design resemble a ubiquitous everyday object – something that will seamlessly transcend the field from action to reaction. Specifically, this entails the simple daily process of recycling and its integration into one’s surroundings. This art piece intends to spark thinking amongst its onlookers into making the connection between the consumption of materials and their direct effect onto our surroundings, our planet, and future. Thus, it is intended that such inspiration be captured through the exhibition of a park bench. Justification of this design idea is conducted through a triple bottom line analysis that examines the environmental, economic and social impacts of commissioning a bench made from recycled materials. Based on the generated results, this report recommends that the inspiring art piece reflect the following three attributes: 1. The art piece will resemble a park bench and reflects a discernible amount of uniqueness. The design of the bench will be selected though a campus wide design contest. 2. The materials used will comprise of 100% recycled plastic. 3. The size of the park bench will be approximately to scale (2m x 1m x 2m). Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”

Item Media

Item Citations and Data

Rights

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International