Housing | UBC Totem Commonsblock Lobby
Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre
This phased renovation delineates between public programming and sensitive in-house operations via a wall of exhibition cases, which house survivor-donated artifacts.
ClientVancouver Holocaust Education Centre
Project Type
StatusCompleted
Dates2018
Services
Size450 SM / 1,700 SF
Project Description
Developed through a phased, strategic partnership with the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre (VHEC), this project transformed a constrained footprint into a high-performance environment for education and archival preservation. Moving beyond traditional “rent-and-tour” models, PUBLIC navigated a multi-stage process—from feasibility studies to final tenant improvements—to create a clear separation between public programming and sensitive in-house operations. With a future building renovation in view, the design utilizes high-end, flexible display cases engineered for eventual relocation. These mobile elements serve as a sophisticated framework for rotating exhibitions centered on survivor-donated artifacts. The result is a resilient, forward-thinking space that honors its role as a living archive, ensuring the Centre’s vital mission remains adaptable and impactful within its evolving urban context.




























