The planning, design concept, design coordination, site development and landscaping for the original part of the campus were all under the control of Erickson/Massey. The complex was conceived as one building, with future growth occurring at the periphery. Tall buildings would have been out of scal…
The planning, design concept, design coordination, site development and landscaping for the original part of the campus were all under the control of Erickson/Massey. The complex was conceived as one building, with future growth occurring at the periphery. Tall buildings would have been out of scale with the massive mountaintop ridge, so a series of horizontal terraced structures were designed that hugged the ridge and dissolve into the landscape. Following the linear peak of the mountain, the scheme organized various parts of the campus along an east/west line. The concept of a central academic quadrangle was conceived within the tradition of Oxford and Cambridge, and to enhance the sense of contemplative quiet, it was designed as a perfect square raised on massive pilotis, allowing stunning views through a landscaped courtyard. The connecting link was a gigantic space frame-developed in conjunction with Jeffrey Lindsay, a one-time associate of Buckminster Fuller-that provided shelter and a gathering-place for the students. Other architects who had placed among the top five in the competition were retained to design the individual components of the original plan: the Academic Quadrangle by Zoltan S. Kiss; the Theatre, Gymnasium & Swimming Pool by Duncan McNab & Associates; the Science Complex by Rhone & Iredale; and the Library by Robert F. Harrison.
Heritage Value
Following the end of the Second World War, there was unprecedented growth throughout the Lower Mainland. Many returning veterans had settled on the coast, and the loosening of wartime restrictions led to the creation of many new suburban developments throughout the region. The growing population strained existing facilities, and there was a recognition that new educational facilities had to be constructed to meet these growing demands. For many years, the only university in the province was the University of British Columbia. In the 1960s, new universities were planned for both Victoria and Burnaby to serve the wave of baby boomers just then going through high school. The dramatic site chosen for the Burnaby university was the top of Burnaby Mountain, with expansive views over mountain ranges and water. An architectural competition was held for a campus of 7,000 students that could eventually be expanded to 18,000.
Of the many submissions, the judges reached unanimity on the winner, an outstanding scheme submitted by the firm of Erickson/Massey. The judges went even further, and recommended that every effort be made to ensure that the winning design be built as submitted. The new Chancellor, Gordon Shrum, agreed. The realization of this scheme won extensive recognition for the work of Arthur Erickson and Geoffrey Massey, and launched Erickson’s international career. In Erickson’s words: "Unlike any previous university, Simon Fraser is a direct translation into architecture of the expanding fields of knowledge that defy traditional boundaries, of the vital role of the university as both challenger and conservor of human culture, and of the university community as one in constant intellectual, spiritual and social interchange."
The new school opened for classes in September 1965, nicknamed the “instant university,” and quickly gained a radical reputation. The startling futuristic architecture and open layout suited the explosive nature of the mid-1960s, when political and social traditions of all types were being questioned and student protests were common. Many of SFU’s programs were considered experimental, even controversial, and unrest and conflict on the campus continued for a number of years.
Since this auspicious beginning 40 years ago, SFU has grown to house 25,000 students on three campuses. The core of the original campus, recognized world-wide as a profound work of architecture, remains essentially intact today.
Handwritten notes on slide read: "SFU" and "May 23, 1993 Image #05812"; stamp on slide reads "Copyright Airphoto 85 All Rights Reserved (604) 946-6181."
File contains photographs of a rally at Simon Fraser University for CUPE members. Photographs depict members marching up the steps by the Convocation Mall and rallying in a large crowd with signs; CUPE university coordinator Connie Credico speaking to media; and Michael Stevenson, president and vic…
File contains photographs of a rally at Simon Fraser University for CUPE members. Photographs depict members marching up the steps by the Convocation Mall and rallying in a large crowd with signs; CUPE university coordinator Connie Credico speaking to media; and Michael Stevenson, president and vice-chancellor of SFU, speaking to the rally and media through a bullhorn.
Collected by editorial for use in a March 2003 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2295-1: "Devon Bates, left on drums, and Marcos X, right on drums, lead a rally Monday afternoon across the campus grounds of Simon Fraser University for CUPE members."
Caption from metadata for 535-2295-2: "Gina Murray blows a whistle in support of a general strike for CUPE members during a ralley on the campus grounds of Simon Fraser University Monday afternoon."
Caption from metadata for 535-2295-3: "A spectator looks down upon the flags and banners at a rally for CUPE members on the campus grounds of Simon Fraser University Monday afternoon. "
Caption from metadata for 535-2295-4: "Connie Credico, CUPE university co-ordinator, talks to a throng of media during a rally Monday afternoon on the campus grounds of Simon Fraser University."
Caption from metadata for 535-2295-5: "A man holds a sign saying Ambivalence Blvd. Monday afternoon during a rally for CUPE members on the campus grounds of Simon Fraser University."
Caption from metadata for 535-2295-6: "Michael Stevenson, president and vice-chancellor of SFU, faces the crowd and the media during a rally held on campus Monday afternoon."
Photograph of Frances Johnston standing on an upper concourse at Simon Fraser University. The photograph was taken looking north-east and the academic quandrangle is visible in the background.
Photograph of Frances Johnston standing on an upper concourse at Simon Fraser University. The photograph was taken looking north-east and the academic quandrangle is visible in the background.
Photograph of Frances Johnston (far right) looking at a bulletin board outside the library at Simon Fraser University. The photograph was taken looking west along Convocation Mall.
Photograph of Frances Johnston (far right) looking at a bulletin board outside the library at Simon Fraser University. The photograph was taken looking west along Convocation Mall.
Photograph of representatives from Simon Fraser University Faculties Admissions Office, holding an 'information day' and swamped with prospective students seeking advice and consultation.
Photograph of representatives from Simon Fraser University Faculties Admissions Office, holding an 'information day' and swamped with prospective students seeking advice and consultation.
Newspaper clipping attached to verso of photograph reads: "INFORMATION / DAY AT SFU / Expecting about 24 people, representatives from Simon Fraser University Faculties Admissions Office held an 'information day' Sunday, and were swamped with prospective students seeking advice and consultation. The Academic Advice Centre will be open until 9:30 p.m. from today to Oct. 25."
Photograph of members of the Qun Ying Athletic Club from Gilmore Community School performing the lion dance under the Convocation Mall roof at Simon Fraser University, as part of Lunar New Year celebrations.
Photograph of members of the Qun Ying Athletic Club from Gilmore Community School performing the lion dance under the Convocation Mall roof at Simon Fraser University, as part of Lunar New Year celebrations.
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2005 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Members of the Qun Ying Athletic Club from Gilmore Community School perform the Lion Dance to bring in the Chinese New Year at Simon Fraser University on Wednesday afternoon."
Photograph of an unidentified woman walking by the "Arrivals and Encounters" mural at Simon Fraser University. The mural made its debut at the Vancouver Folk Festival in 1986, for Vancouver's Centennial.
Photograph of an unidentified woman walking by the "Arrivals and Encounters" mural at Simon Fraser University. The mural made its debut at the Vancouver Folk Festival in 1986, for Vancouver's Centennial.
Photograph of the official opening of Simon Fraser University. A large group of spectators faces the stage from seats on the floor as well as the balcony.
Photograph of the official opening of Simon Fraser University. A large group of spectators faces the stage from seats on the floor as well as the balcony.
Photograph of two unidentified men standing next to a plaque at Simon Fraser University where it was unveiled. The plaque is mounted on a concrete post and has curtains on either side. The plaque reads "In Appreciation to G.B. Riley, E.R. Loftus and E.W. Martin of C.B. Riley Ltd. for their generou…
Photograph of two unidentified men standing next to a plaque at Simon Fraser University where it was unveiled. The plaque is mounted on a concrete post and has curtains on either side. The plaque reads "In Appreciation to G.B. Riley, E.R. Loftus and E.W. Martin of C.B. Riley Ltd. for their generous gift to Simon Fraser University of 20 Acres of land on September 30, 1963."
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2006 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Francis Campbell addresses the haggis before cutting into it during Robbie Burns Day festivities at Simon Fraser University on Wednesday."
Photograph of Frank Campbell addressing the haggis during a Robbie Burns Day celebration at the Diamond University Centre at Simon Fraser University. An unidentified bagpiper watches from the background.
Photograph of Frank Campbell addressing the haggis during a Robbie Burns Day celebration at the Diamond University Centre at Simon Fraser University. An unidentified bagpiper watches from the background.
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Frank Campbell addresses the haggis at a Robbie Burns Day ceremony at the Diamond University Centre at Simon Fraser University."
1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 16 cm mounted on cardboard
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the covered mall at Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain. The university, designed by architect Arthur Erikson was opened in 1965. The covered mall was completed a couple of years later.
1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 16 cm mounted on cardboard
Description Level
Item
Record No.
556-372
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2013-13
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the covered mall at Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain. The university, designed by architect Arthur Erikson was opened in 1965. The covered mall was completed a couple of years later.
1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 16 cm mounted on cardboard
Scope and Content
Photograph shows Pauline Jewett, President of Simon Fraser University, giving a speech to the students concerning the strike of clerical employees which was in progress at the time of this photograph.
1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 16 cm mounted on cardboard
Description Level
Item
Record No.
556-374
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2013-13
Scope and Content
Photograph shows Pauline Jewett, President of Simon Fraser University, giving a speech to the students concerning the strike of clerical employees which was in progress at the time of this photograph.