As part of its 50^th anniversary celebrations, Trent University will host a panel discussion, “Ron Thom and the Allied Arts: Trent University’s Master Planning Architect,” on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Hall at Champlain College. This event is free and open to the public.

The panelists will discuss Ron Thom’s work as the foundation of Trent’s distinctive modernist campus and buildings, and his architectural legacy. The panel discussion complements the cross-country exhibition Ron Thom and the Allied Arts, installed at Trent University’s Alumni House until October 19, 2014. The exhibition includes original sketches, artifacts and photographs of the works of Mr. Thom and his design team – from ground-breaking residential design in British Columbia, to Massey College in Toronto, to what many consider to be his ultimate masterpiece: Trent University. The exhibition curator, Adele Weder, will moderate the discussion.

The panel features:

• Denis Smith, founding vice-president of Trent University (1965-68) and first chair of the Politics Department (1966-71);
• Bill Lett Sr., principal emeritus of Lett Architects, who worked with Ron Thom on the design of Trent University;
• Larry Wayne Richards, professor emeritus at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design at the University of Toronto, and former architectural heritage advisor for Trent University, from 1992-1995;
• Brigitte Shim, principal of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, and professor at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design at the University of Toronto.

“Ron Thom and his team played an integral role in creating the culture and atmosphere of Trent University through the conceptualization of the campus including the iconic designs of Champlain and Lady Eaton Colleges, the Faryon Bridge and Bata Library,” said Julie Davis, vice president, External Relations and Advancement, “It’s wonderful to showcase their creativity, inspiration and draft works during the University’s 50^th Anniversary. "

“Ron Thom and the Allied Arts” is a co-production of the West Vancouver Museum, Massey College and Trent University in partnership with the Canadian Architectural Archives at the University of Calgary. The exhibition is designed by Public and generously supported by LLF Lawyers, The Canada Council for the Arts, the British Columbia Arts Council, The Massey Foundation, RAIC/Architecture Canada, Ontario Association of Architects, Dialog, Toronto Society of Architects, Shanna Fromson and Leslie Rebanks. The exhibition is open to the public for a $10 suggested admission, includes a self-guided walking tour.

Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2014.