> SFU receives Prize of the Century

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Contact:
Lee Gavel, 778.782.4743; lee_gavel@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl, PAMR, 778.782.4323

SFU is the recipient of an unexpected honour from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. The Institute is recognizing the university's Burnaby campus with its Prix du XXe siècle (20th century prize).

The award celebrates the enduring excellence of nationally significant architecture, such as landmark buildings in the historical context of Canadian architecture.

SFU is among five buildings from across Canada to receive the 2007 award - and one of two by the architect team of Arthur Erickson and Geoff Massey (the other being Vancouver's Smith House 2, built in 1964, a year before SFU was completed).

Montreal's Habitat '67, the Toronto Dominion Centre and Toronto's Wolf House are among other buildings to receive praise.

"I'm thrilled," says Lee Gavel, university architect. "It's an exceptional honour acknowledging the value of architecture in our community."

Gavel says the award encompasses the original 1960s campus architecture by Erickson as well as SFU's continued adherence to the principles and architectural expression of Erickson's original vision.

Photo of Gavel with award available.