The Social Sciences and Math Building (SS&M) is home to the department of Environmental Studies. Although SS&M is among the newest buildings on campus, it reflects the long-standing history of environmental consciousness and culture that characterizes both Environmental Studies, and the University of Victoria (UVic) more generally.

As UVic was emerging as a university during the 1960s, public concern about environmental issues was growing. Articles from UVic's student newspaper, The Martlet, published at that time document the manifestation of environmental concern on campus:

(1)

(2)

Inspired faculty in various disciplines began creating courses that explored human relationships to the environment. By the 1970s, it had become apparent that environmental issues transcended the rigid boundaries of traditional disciplines, and therefore an interdisciplinary approach to studies of the environment was required if UVic was to offer meaningful environmental education (3).

In 1972, faculty members from various disciplines collaborated to create a proposal for an interdisciplinary Environmental Studies program, and in 1974, an experimental program was implemented. A review of the program in 1978 resulted in the appointment of a departmental director and steering committee, and so Environmental Studies became formally established. By 1999, the experimental program of 1974 had evolved to become the School of Environmental Studies (4).

As UVic developed and expanded ideologically, it also expanded physically to accommodate new faculties and departments. In a memo to the Campus Development Committee dated March 2001, Environmental Studies professor Michael M’Gonigle argued that the University cannot divorce what it does from where it does it – that the values and ideas of connection, innovation, and social responsibility the university teaches must be reflected in the way campus is managed. M’Gonigle urged the Campus Development Committee to employ community consultation and sustainability as it planned the construction of new buildings on campus (5).

(6)

In 2005, the Campus Development Committee began planning a new building to house the faculties of social science and math. A User Committee comprised of faculty that would be housed in the new building submitted a vision statement calling for an intuitive building design that encouraged congregation; embodied sustainability; promoted possibilities; and stimulated experimentation(7). The input of M’Gonigle and the Users Committee was instrumental in determining what shape SS&M would take.

SS&M was designed to meet the Gold Standard requirements of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS) program. It relies on a sophisticated drainage system that employs green roofs and run-off ponds(8):

D. Smith Photo

It boasts a natural ventilation system, and extensive use of natural lighting(9):

D. Smith Photo

Its artful wooden beams and furniture are constructed from wood affected by the mountain pine beetle which would have otherwise been discarded (10):

D. Smith Photo

Several of its walls and art pieces are made from clay that was excavated from the site on which the building now stands (11):

D. Smith Photo

D. Smith Photo

An outdoor courtyard surrounds the building, complete with demonstration gardens where students are taught about plant propagation, ecosystem processes, and ecological restoration. The green roof holds possibility for urban food production (12).

The completed SS&M building embodies the continuously unfurling history of environmental consciousness at UVic. It represents incredible transformations in ways of thinking about education, human relationships with the environment, the role of the university, and the campus landscape over the past fifty years. It is a symbol of innovation in the present, and a symbol of hope for the future.

M. Czemery Photo