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Arthur Charles Erickson, CC, FAIA (June 14, 1924 – May 20, 2009) was a Canadian architect and urban planner. He studied Asian languages at the University of British Columbia, and later earned a degree from the School of Architecture at McGill University. He is renowned for designing some of the most recognizable buildings and sites in Canada, including Roy Thompson Hall, Robson Square, the Museum of Glass and the Simon Fraser University campus

Early Life and Education

Erickson was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 14, 1924. The son of Oscar Erickson and Myrtle Chatterson, he had an interest and talent for painting from an early age. Like his father, he served in the Canadian Army Intelligence Corps during World War II. It was during this time that he became familiar with the Japanese language, going on to serve in India, Celyon, and Malaysia. This experience fostered his interest in the art and philosophy of these areas.

Erickson’s original intent was to enter into a career in the diplomatic service, however this changed after he stumbled upon an article about Frank Lloyd Wright. Inspired by Wright’s studio and works, Arthur pursued a career in architecture. Erickson’s post-secondary studies included an undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia, followed by the School of Architecture at McGill University in Quebec. After graduating from the School of Architecture at McGill University in 1950, Erickson was granted a travel scholarship and traveled in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Japan. Travelling to these areas allowed him to deepen his exploration of climate and style in their relationship to architecture. Erickson also became a professor, teaching at the University of Oregon and subsequently the University of British Columbia. After teaching, he worked for a few years at Thompson Berwick and Pratt and Partners before he went on to design houses in partnership with Geoffrey Massey. In 1963, Erickson and Massey submitted the winning design for Simon Fraser University.

Style and Method

Erickson's earlier buildings were often modernist concrete structures designed to respond to the natural conditions of their locations, especially climate. These buildings showcase dramatic utilization of space and light. Many buildings, such as the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, are inspired by the post and beam architecture of the Coastal First Nations. Erickson’s work strongly focuses on integrating his projects with surrounding landscape elements, specifically water, that can be seen in the work of his house in Vancouver. Additionally, Erickson is known for numerous futuristic designs such as the Fresno City Hall and the Biological Sciences Building at the University of California, Irvine.

Significant Works

Simon Fraser University:

As mentioned above, Erickson’s partnership with Geoffrey Massey lead to the winning design submitted for Simon Fraser University. This design was internationally acclaimed and allowed Arthur’s career to become more distinguished while opening the door to new possibilities. The design featured an indoor plaza with massive skylights in order to respond sensitively to Vancouver’s rainy, cool climate.

Museum of Anthropology:

Built in 1976, it was created as an inclusion to the campus at the University of British Columbia. This building is well known for Erickson’s use of concrete piers and large stretches of glass.

Robson Square:

Built in Vancouver in 1979 as a large civic center, Erickson’s design includes waterfalls, a roof garden, several plazas, and stairs with ramps integrated within.

Canadian Embassy:

The personal selection of Arthur Erickson as the architect for the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC by then-Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was controversial, because Trudeau overruled the objections and choices of the embassy's design committee. Erickson's biographer Nicholas Olsberg described the building as "making fun of the ridiculous terms to which buildings must adhere in Washington... mocking the US and all of its imperial pretensions."

Reputation, Influences, and Legacy

Erickson was mentor of many other noted local architects and urbanists, including founding members of many of Vancouver's premier design-oriented architectural firms. His buildings were also the subject of painting by famous artists including Vancouver artist Tiko Kerr.

In 1971, he received the Royal Bank Award. In 1973, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and was promoted to Companion in 1981. Erickson received the Chicago Architectural Award in 1984 with Philip Johnson and Joan Burgee. In 1986, he received the AIA Gold Medal, making him the first ever Canadian to receive this award.

Erickson lived in Point Grey with his life partner and interior design collaborator, Francisco Kripacz. He died in Vancouver on May 20, 2009. His legacy still lives on through the Arthur Erickson Foundation[1]. The foundation has been registered in in the province of British Columbia since 1993 as a non-profit charitable society. Founded originally as the Arthur Erickson House and Garden Foundation in 1993, the society became owner of the Point Grey residence in Vancouver, BC. After his death the foundation was expanded to offer education, research, and work in preservation with stewardship, education, and tours offered to keep people informed about the legacy of one of Canada's first internationally acclaimed architects.

References

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