The spaces in between

May 18, 2007

This Centennial series of feature stories and photographs is designed to inspire readers to look around, beyond Collegiate Gothic, to the wide range of architectural styles on campus. With the help of University architect Colin Tennent, planner Colin Hartl, and architectural design co-ordinator Andrew Wallace, On Campus News writer Silas Polkinghorne examines the history, design and construction of the buildings on this remarkable campus.

The University of Saskatchewan is well known for its elegant Collegiate Gothic buildings, and the arrangement and scale of these structures are a big part of their appeal.

But often overlooked are the exterior spaces – the landscape surrounding the buildings – that are essential to the campus aesthetic.

“The spaces around buildings contribute to a larger extent than people realize,” said Colin Hartl as he surveyed the area between Saskatchewan Hall and Qu’Appelle Hall. “If the landscape didn’t have these opportunities (for space), I think we’d have a lesser-known aesthetic.”

The Bowl is the most obvious example of exterior space but Hartl is interested in spaces that have a more “human scale.” There are only a few of them left, and the need for building additions – what Andrew Wallace calls, “the nature of an expanding campus” – is making them more and more rare.

Perhaps the best place to begin is Palliser Garden, a quiet enclosure between Marquis Hall and Qu’Appelle Hall. The buildings and walls that enclose the garden don’t overshadow it, but instead make it feel like an “outdoor room,” Wallace said, giving it a human size and feel. The landscaping is beautiful, and the pine and spruce trees feel natural.

“It can be hard to find a little peace and quiet on campus, and this is one place where you can still find it,” Hartl said.

Hartl and Wallace wonder if planners had once intended for people to flow from Marquis Hall into the garden, but the doorway they might have used is now used as a fire exit and bookshelves line the Marquis Hall windows.

Nearby, the space between Qu’Appelle Hall and Saskatchewan Hall gives a different sense of enclosure, with the north side opening onto the Bowl. It is a larger space, often used as a walkway, but is important nonetheless, particularly for students living in the adjacent residences.

The nature of outdoor space has changed along with architectural styles on campus. The original Master Plan included a series of open courtyards enclosed by narrow buildings. But through the century, newer buildings – the Diefenbaker Canada Centre is a good example – sat within the landscape rather than defined it.

On the north side of the Bowl, the spaces surrounding buildings were largely ignored as additions were made adjacent to the Physics building that included indoor linkages. In a province with long winters, it is convenient to join buildings together, but “that said, in the summer time, it’s nice to be able to get around outside,” Wallace noted. Our short summers make it even more important to enjoy these outdoor spaces while we can, Hartl added.

Other excellent exterior spots include the grassy area near the south Engineering entrance, the Law court (now experiencing a major redesign), and the staircase leading up from the Arts tunnel fire escape near the Library.

Although these quiet areas exist, they are often not well used as gathering or study places. “How we get more people to use those spaces is always a question for me,” Hartl said.

Other great exterior spaces include the walkway and alcove between Geology/Biology and the Spinks Addition, and the walkway along the east side of the Physics building. There, head north and you’ll see the spectacular vista of the Agriculture Building, its glass facade reflecting the sky; head south for a grand profile of the historic College Building.