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Anthropology and Sociology (ANSO) Building Renewal

Project Snapshot

Project Size: 6,681 square metres | 71,913 square feet
Budget: $80 million
Status: In design
Construction anticipated start: January 2026
Occupancy: 2028
Project Manager: UBC Project Services

Project Summary

The Anthropology and Sociology (ANSO) Building Renewal project will fully renew the existing building, providing fully upgraded spaces to support modern research and teaching for the departments of Anthropology, Sociology, and the wider campus.  

The envelope and infrastructure of the ANSO complex are currently at the end of their service life, resulting in ongoing challenges related to system reliability and occupant comfort. Renewing the ANSO complex is essential to providing a healthy, safe, and modern environment for learning and work. 

As part of the renewal project, the building will undergo a comprehensive renovation, including a complete envelope replacement; upgrades to fire and life safety systems, including the addition of sprinklers; replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems; full seismic upgrades to meet current codes; complete hazardous materials remediation; and the replacement of all interior and exterior finishes. The layout will be revised to accommodate the needs of the two departments, with improved wet lab spaces, modernized teaching areas, and new common facilities, including end-of-trip amenities and bicycle parking. The project is targeting LEED Gold certification in alignment with UBC’s sustainability goals. 

Here’s what to expect during construction 

  • Nearby buildings and areas should expect noise from renovation work and construction vehicles at the Anthropology and Sociology Complex.  
  • Expect increased construction traffic and vehicle noise along Cecil Green Park Road and Northwest Marine Drive.  
  • Temporary traffic and pedestrian detours may be required during different phases of construction.  
  • There will be no access to the Anthropology and Sociology Complex and surrounding outdoor areas during construction. Building users have been notified about their temporary relocation. 

Anthropology and Sociology anticipated construction area 

See the area marked in green below for the anticipated construction area, subject to changes. 

Anticipated work schedule

December 2025 

  • Preliminary site setup (no construction work). Building access will be maintained. 

Winter/Spring 2026 (January–June) 

  • No building access
  • Noise Impact – High (All buildings)  
    • Hazardous material abatement and demolition 
    • Structural concrete demolition and cutting 
    • Foundation work 
    • Civil site works (including water main upgrade at rear parking area)  

Summer/Fall 2026 (July–December) 

  • Noise Impact – High (All buildings)  
    • Concrete work 
    • Steelworks 
    • Roof finishes 
    • Exterior work, windows, and cladding 
    • Civil work (May-Aug) 

Winter/Spring 2027 (January–June) 

  • Noise Impact – Medium (North building)  
    • Exterior cladding, interior work 
  • Noise Impact – High (East and Central South buildings) 
    • Concrete and steel work, foundation work, mechanical and electrical  
  • Noise Impact – High (West building) 
    • Concrete foundations, concrete repair work, structural concrete, steelworks 

Summer/Fall 2027 (July-December)

  • Noise Impact – Low-medium  (North building)
    • Final finishing
  • Noise Impact – Medium (East, Central/South, and West buildings)
    • Exterior Cladding, Interiors, Mechanical and Electrical

Winter/Spring 2028 (Jan-Jun)

  • Noise Impact – Low-medium (East and Central/South buildings)
    • Interiors, Mechanical and Electrical, Finishing
  • Noise Impact – Medium (West building)
    • Exterior Cladding, Interiors, Mechanical and Electrical
  • Noise Impact – Low-medium (Outdoor areas)
    • Landscaping and paving

We will continue to share more information as the project start dates approaches and during construction. View the project summary.

For questions or concerns regarding the construction, please contact:  

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