Michael Perry (2) - Presentation on University Development

Presenter Introduction

• Presenter: Michael Perry

• Role: Archivist and Special Collections Librarian at the University Library

• Commitment to the history of the university, focusing on:

  • Gathering

  • Archiving

  • Documenting

  • Preserving university records since before its founding in 1967.

Context of the University of Lethbridge

• Established as a Centennial University in 1967.

• Historical development was preceded by numerous initiatives including:

  • Architectural studies

  • Proposals

  • Discussions leading to the formation of the university.

• Original plans developed by the architectural firm of Arthur Eriksson (Ericsson Massey Firm).

• Significance of archives:

  • Institutional history

  • Campus development documentation

  • Collaboration with Canadian Architectural Archives at University of Calgary.

• Current Role of Michael Perry:

  • Continues to assist researchers and scholars in accessing the university's history.

Responsibilities of Michael Perry

• Documentation of the university's official records.

• Records illustrate the university's roles in:

  • Teaching

  • Research

  • Public service.

• Current research interests focus on the university's history.

Michael Perry's Contributions

• Founding member of the Center for Oral History and Tradition.

• Lectures on institutional history, focusing on character building and definitions of history.

• Previous presentation on the early history of the campus, including:

  • Prehistory

  • Development of the Ericsson Building.

Presentation Overview

• Title of this evening's presentation: "We certainly didn't plan it this way"

• Focus: Review of forty years of campus evolution and the unintended outcomes of the development plans.

• Goals of the presentation:

  • Deconstruct the campus’s development.

  • Examine various designs and their implications.

  • Explore how reality diverged from original plans.

Historical Context and Original Campus Design

• Initial setup included:

  • 11 ATCO buildings on the South Campus (1967).

  • Temporary buildings lasted for around thirty-five years.

• Initial campus size: 315 acres, shifted three times during development.

• Landscape features included:

  • The geographical center designed as a karn to help orient students in poor weathered.

Examining Historical Development

• Class distribution between campuses during early years:

  • 1971 classes on both the South Campus and West Campus.

  • Transportation via yellow bus across campus before proper roads were constructed (Whoop Up Drive completed in 1976).

• Original campus plan:

  • $17,500,000 allocated by Alberta government for construction.

  • Original funding for broader infrastructural development across three universities was $175,000,000 over five years, but U of L received a fraction (i.e. 10% of the planned funding).

Architectural Designs and Changes

• Original Design by Arthur Ericsson:

  • Proposed two main buildings for Humanities and Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities areas.

  • Envisioned a central library and various functional spaces.

• Initial development hurdles:

  • Funding limitations led to reduced architectural designs.

  • Shift from original grand designs to practical, smaller constructions due to financial constraints.

Major Changes Over Time

• 1969 design adjustments due to financial restrictions:

  • Shift to two half buildings with brick exteriors from Medicine Hat foundry, which become economically unfeasible.

• Ultimate construction led to:

  • University Hall (initially called Academic and Residence Building) inaugurated as a central feature in campus layout.

  • Changes leading to eventual limitations in design versus original vision.

Timeline of Structural Developments

• Campus expanded from 315 acres to approximately 565 acres over several decades.

• Introduction of additional buildings:

  • University Hall (created multiple iterations pre-1980 branding).

• Changes in student services:

  • Introduction and removal of unique structures like The Worm for ease of movement.

Observations on Landscape Design and User Experience

• Early visual aesthetics, such as:

  • Use of yellow carpeting to represent the prairie landscape.

  • Spaces designed for open student-faculty interactions.

• Realization of practical issues with outside environments:

  • Cold weather challenges faced in transitional structures (like The Worm).

Additional Architectural Developments

• Notable structures:

  • Center for Fine Arts opened in 1981, adjusting the overall campus layout significantly.

• Examination of student experiences and needs:

  • Limitations of on-campus facilities in proximity to activities (e.g., theatres).

Future Developments and Vision

• Plans for ongoing development include:

  • Emphasis on accessibility and student convenience.

  • Modernization and enhancement of library and teaching spaces in alignment with original campus vision.

• Discussion on the evolution of architectural design focusing on:

  • Creating spaces that facilitate student interaction and accessibility.

Technical Aspects and Economic Considerations

• Exploration of budget management in constructing campus structures:

  • Example: University Hall built for just under $12,000,000 in 1969 values, highlighting evolution to potential multi-million dollar proposals today (i.e., current estimates for new developments range closer to $400,000,000).

Engagement and Feedback

• Encouragement of discussion on preferred designs for new or redevelopment projects.

• Asking for inquiries and comments on presented material, allowing for deeper understanding and sharing of experiences.

Conclusion

• Reflection on the growth and transformation of the University of Lethbridge over the past forty years.

• Anticipation for future developments based on accumulated historical and architectural insights.

• Encouragement for continued engagement with the evolving campus narrative through student and faculty interaction.