Unique interpretive project and experience at UBC wins national award

Brendan Kergin | Vancouver Is Awesome

Published

'The project reimagines a daily pedestrian route into an immersive learning environment embedded within the campus landscape.'

Originally opened in 2022, the Wheaton Walk Through Time at UBC has gotten some national attention. Earlier this month it received an Award of Excellence from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) for communication. "The project reimagines a daily pedestrian route into an immersive learning environment embedded within the campus landscape," reads a release from the CSLA.

The walk, created by PWL Partnership Landscape Architects, is an educational and interpretive exhibit at the Point Grey Campus. It was built along the route between two of the university's museums, connecting the Pacific Museum of Earth and the Beaty Biodiversity Museum via a 110-metre route.

Along the route, pedestrians can experience the scale of geological time on Earth, with visual and physical markers explaining things along the way. It also connects with the themes of the two museums (geology and biodiversity).

"The installation presents geological and biological change in 100-million-year intervals, helping visitors experience the scale of geological time and key evolutionary milestones as they walk between the museums," reads a UBC release about the award.

The CSLA noted the mix of tactile elements and digital content which can take the experience beyond traditional public educational displays.

"A 110-metre linear timeline represents deep time in 100-million-year intervals, while a circular Tree of Life visualizes the interconnectedness of biodiversity and geological history," reads the CSLA release. "Grounded in scientific accuracy, the installation supports engagement for diverse audiences, from casual passersby to school groups and academic visitors."

The walk wasn't the only local award winner. The new landscaping at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC also won (for public landscape), as did a plan developed a few years ago for the West End waterfront.