60th anniversary memories

The Rt Hon. Consul General Kim Campbell and UVic President David Strong, March 30, 1999. 
Photo: Don Lovell.

by: Don Lovell, retired architect

My favourite building project for 10 of my 17 years as Manager Design and Campus Planning at UVic, was participating in the library planning and construction of the Mearns Centre for Learning. In 1999, I travelled with University Librarian Marnie Swanson and Assistant University Librarian Wendie McHenry to Los Angeles to tour the Leavey Library, University of Southern California, and Powell Library, UCLA. David Strong, then President of UVic, was very keen to see a major addition to the McPherson Library. While in Los Angeles, a reception was held at the residence of the Canadian Consular General Kim Campbell. UVic Alumni and notables including filmmaker Atom Egoyan attended the library presentation by David and Marnie. I arrived at the Consular residence early to set up a data projector.

In the main ante room, I noticed a lady vacuuming, and I asked her where I might connect the projector. As she got up from behind a chesterfield, I saw that it was Kim Campbell. When I said that I was surprised to see our 19th Prime Minister cleaning, she responded that it was her home, and she wanted it presentable.

A significant step in the planning for the $20 million Mearns Centre for Learning building was the decision to hire the library planning consultants, Aaron and Elaine Cohen of New York. The Cohen’s conducted a three-day workshop for key library representatives. Day One, however, started in a surprising way for Marnie Swanson when she was joined in her office by Aaron Cohen who in his enthusiasm had decided to arrive several hours before the first session. The Cohen report was effective and provided a clear direction forward. A central circulation spine for the library with functions adjoining the spine would allow for the library to adapt for future needs.

We also visited The Valley Library, Oregon State University, and Knight Library, University of Oregon. It was evident from these two libraries that major additions required design continuity to ensure that renovations and new space successfully mesh with the original building.

Shiv Garyali, Architect was engaged to prepare a design guideline for renovations and new construction. Warner James Architects, Antoni James and Brian Lord, executed a series of annual renovations to the McPherson Library which followed the design report. Warner James was also the successful Architectural firm for the Mearns building addition.

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