Architectural Institute of B.C. buries the hatchet with Arthur Erickson

You have to admit, it's rather amusing to see the Architectural Institute of B.C. taking great pains to praise Arthur Erickson in death.

Just last summer, blogger and freelance writer Frances Bula exposed how Erickson, a world-renowned architect, was in a bitter tussle with the AIBC, which licenses architects.

The institute  didn't want Erickson calling himself an "architect" because he refused to take the required continuing-education courses. Erickson quit the institute in 2005, but was given honourary membership.

The decision to prohibit Erickson from calling himself an architect upset his family, who sent the following statement to the Globe and Mail, according to a Bula story: "To suggest that Arthur Erickson is deliberately misrepresenting himself as an architect is like suggesting that Einstein was not a physicist in his later years. Arthur Erickson has been an architect for 50 years and he cannot help it if people continue to call him one, regardless of the AIBC's opinion on the matter."

Well guess what? Today (May 21), the AIBC issued a statement praising Erickson's "architectural talent" and "architectural style". But the statement (see below) never explicitly calls Erickson an "architect".

International Trade Minister Stockwell Day, on the other hand, described Erickson as a "leading architect" and an "inspirational architect" in a statement issued by the federal government.

AIBC MEDIA RELEASE

On the Passing of Arthur Erickson, Honourary Member of the AIBC

For Immediate Release
May 21, 2009

With the passing of Arthur Erickson, who died yesterday at the age of 84, Canada has lost one of its treasures, and B.C.’s architectural community has lost a true leader.

Erickson’s architectural talent is known world-wide. For many, he came to define British Columbia architecture. He certainly put it on the international map.

Erickson’s unique view of the world came through in his work. He considered environmental awareness in his projects long before it was fashionable. He had a genuine appreciation and understanding of nature and context, qualities that he was magically able to translate into his work.

His distinct architectural style borrowed from Greek tradition with traces of cultural influences from Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East. Mostly, though, it was about British Columbia. He used light, wood, stone and other natural elements in a way that captured the essence of the West Coast.

Erickson was born and raised in Vancouver, and went on to study at the University of British Columbia and McGill University, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Architecture in 1950. He became a member of the AIBC in 1953. In 1955, he began teaching at the University of Oregon before joining the UBC School of Architecture in 1956. Erickson also worked for several local architectural firms over the years before teaming with Geoffrey Massey to open a practice in 1963. In 1972, Erickson established his own Vancouver-based firm. In 2005, he resigned as an AIBC-registered architect and was immediately granted honourary membership in the institute.

Erickson’s architectural assent truly began in 1963, when he teamed up with Geoffrey Massey to conceptualize and create the Simon Fraser University campus. Even today, his vision for an academic village still resonates on Burnaby Mountain.

From there, Erickson quickly amassed a portfolio of groundbreaking work, not only in Canada but around the world. He created landmark buildings in London and Los Angeles. He was responsible for the Canadian Embassy in Washington and Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. Closer to home, he gave us such iconic spaces as Vancouver’s Robson Square and the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. His genius was not limited to large public projects: Erickson-designed homes are still scattered like gems about the Lower Mainland.

Perhaps his greatest legacy, however, is the inspiration he gave to others. Several of today’s architectural leaders spent time learning at his hand. Many others chose to become architects because of Erickson and his peers. His ideas continue to shape the next generation of architects.

Too often in Canada, we do not truly appreciate our own. Erickson collected national recognition along the way, including being named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1973, and a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1981. While he was known and admired at home, he was also revered on the international stage. He was the first Canadian to receive the American Institute of Architects’ highest honour, the AIA Gold Medal. He collected comparable honours from the French Academie d’Architecture as well as the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

One cannot overstate Arthur Erickson’s impact on Canadian architecture. He was a teacher, mentor, collaborator, creator, artist, and visionary. His loss brings sadness, but also admiration and awe.

In the days ahead, the AIBC will give consideration to some form of lasting recognition that pays due tribute. At this time, our hearts go out to the Erickson family.

Pierre Gallant MAIBC, MRAIC
President – Architectural Institute of British Columbia

The Architectural Institute of British Columbia is a self-governing body dedicated to excellence in the profession of architecture for the benefit of its registrants, the environment and society. For more information, visit www.aibc.ca.

-30-

STATEMENT BY HON. STOCKWELL DAY ON THE PASSING OF ARTHUR ERICKSON

Hon. Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade, Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Senior Regional Minister of British Columbia, released the following statement on the passing of Arthur Erickson:

“Arthur Erickson was the visionary behind some of the great public works of the Lower Mainland, including Simon Fraser University, Robson Square and the Museum of Anthropology. He also established the Canadian Chancellery in Washington, D.C., our national presence in the United States of America.

“Internationally recognized as a leading architect, Arthur Erickson’s legacy is highly visible to British Columbians.

“He encouraged the people around him to pursue their innovative thoughts. British Columbians are privileged to be exposed to his designs. His legacy will stand as his spirit prevails and motivates future generations to create.

“I extend my condolences the family of this inspirational architect, British Columbian and Canadian.”