Blog traces architectural history of Paterson Hall
The local blog, Urbsite, features a history of the modernist design of the original three buildings on campus in the 1960s. The blog opens:
ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ University’s recently updated master plan is recommending the demolition of Paterson Hall – one of the first three buildings that formed the nucleus of the Rideau River campus. With it will go the last remnant of ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´’s modern architectural foundations. This section of undulating blue brick wall is all that survives from that era of pure abstract boxes so arrogantly imposed on a site that had been blessed by shorelines, trees, topography and natural open spaces.
Looking calm, cool and collected, ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´’s original quadrangle was one of Canada’s sleekest assemblages of modern buildings. The trio of Tory (science), Paterson (arts) and MacOdrum (library) framed an elevated podium landscaped to look like a Miro painting. Grassy terraces stood along the fourth side. The stylish confidence of these structures belies a tortuous history – each of these buildings had its own crisis of funding and design.
For the rest of the blog, including descriptions of Paterson’s moat, crinkle cut blue walls, and inside/outside spaces, and the design history of Tory Hall and McOdrum Library, see .
