The life and legacy of Arthur Erickson

For the architectural community, the loss of Canadian icon Arthur Erickson, who passed away on May 20, brings great sadness. But, it also provides an opportunity for reflection – on the man, his life, his work, and most of all – his legacy.

AIBC

Erickson was many things to many people – teacher, mentor, collaborator, creator, artist, and visionary.

In the past several days, I have witnessed an incredible outpouring of heartfelt testimonials and shared memories from those who knew him.

I expect such recollections will continue in the weeks, months and years ahead, as history begins to shed its light on the true legacy Erickson leaves behind.

During his lifetime, Erickson 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.

Such complexes brought B.C. architecture to an international audience, while seamlessly incorporating elements of Greek, Asian, African, South American, and Middle Eastern traditions. Then there’s the iconic work Erickson completed right here. One needs only think of such fresh spaces as Vancouver’s Robson Square, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia and the Simon Fraser University campus (a collaboration between Erickson and Geoffrey Massey).

His single family residences, many of which are scattered throughout the Lower Mainland, are no less impressive.

In many ways, these works broke new ground, embodying fresh takes on the West Coast aesthetic.

With them came new imaginings of indoor and outdoor space, and an adventurous blurring of the distinctions between the two.

His use of materials enhanced the effect through an abundance of light, wood, stone and other natural elements.

He even considered environmental awareness in his projects long before greening became part of the architectural vernacular.

Is the legacy that Erickson leaves behind, then, embodied in his structures? Only partially.

Perhaps his greatest achievement is in 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.

Moreover, Erickson stands as a testament to the excellence that can be achieved right here at home.

He was born in Vancouver and studied at the University of British Columbia and McGill University.

He became a member of the AIBC in 1953, resigning as an AIBC-registered architect in 2005.

Too often in Canada, we do not truly appreciate our own and there stands a misconception that to truly shine, one must flee the coop. Erickson’s impressive list of distinctions proves otherwise.

During his lifetime, he amassed such national and international distinctions as the Order of Canada, the American Institute of Architects’ highest honour, the AIA Gold Medal, and honours from the French Academie d’Architecture.

Finally, there’s the legacy of Erickson’s spirit. In a lecture at McGill University in October 2000, he stated:

Architecture doesn’t come from theory. You don’t think your way through a building. We seem today to have lost sight of the original goal of architecture that is to ennoble the place and the people who use it…Great buildings that move the spirit have always been rare. In every case they are unique, poetic, products of the heart…

It couldn’t be said any better.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 14 at 3 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Vancouver.

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

Pierre Gallant MAIBC, MRAIC is the president of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia.