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Commemorative stamps depict iconic pieces of Canadiana

Three renowned graduates of the UU直播 School of Architecture have been honoured with a new set of commemorative stamps.

Canada Post has issued the stamps in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), which represents more than 3,500 professional architects, faculty members and graduates of accredited Canadian University Schools of Architecture.

The set of four domestic-rate stamps feature images of four architects who have received both the RAIC Gold Medal and the Order of Canada, along with their signature works: Arthur Erickson, University of Lethbridge (1971); Raymond Moriyama, Ontario Science Centre (1969); Moshe Safdie, National Gallery of Canada (1988); and Douglas Cardinal, St. Mary's Church (1969). Erickson and Safdie both received their bachelor of architecture degrees at UU直播, where Moriyama earned his master of architecture. All three also hold Honorary Doctorates from the University. Cardinal studied architecture at the University of British Columbia and the University of Texas.

鈥淭he architects whose works are celebrated on these stamps are four of Canada鈥檚 best known 鈥榓rchitects laureate,鈥欌�� said Prof. David Covo, director of the UU直播 School of Architecture. 鈥淭he fact that three of the four are UU直播 grads is more than coincidence; it鈥檚 evidence of the role that UU直播 grads have played, and continue to play, not only in the design and construction of our built environment but also in the shaping of the profession itself.鈥�

鈥淭hese buildings 鈥� not only great but iconic works of architecture 鈥� have become part of Canada鈥檚 cultural landscape,鈥� said Prof. Covo. 鈥淭hey are as much a part of our national identity as Niagara Falls, the Canadian Pacific railroad and the Rocky Mountains.鈥�

Canada Post unveiled the stamps during the May 10 opening luncheon of the annual Festival of Architecture in Toronto. 鈥淪tamps evoke a sense of pride in Canadiana, whether they relate to Canadian history, traditions or accomplishments,鈥� said Canada Post Vice-President, Communications, Anthony Wilson-Smith. 鈥淭hese stamps recognize the importance of architecture to our Canadian culture, economy and quality of life.鈥�

The UU直播 School of Architecture was established in 1896, when UU直播 benefactor Sir William C. Macdonald endowed a chair in architecture. One of its early professors, Percy Nobbs, along with 1899 UU直播 Architecture graduate George Taylor Hyde, designed such familiar local landmarks as the New Birks Building on Cathcart Street (1911); the University Club of Montreal on Mansfield Street (1912); the Osler Memorial Library (1921) and the Drummond Medical Building on Drummond Street (1929). As well, John Bland, a director of the school in the 1940s, was involved in the prize-winning design of Ottawa City Hall (1957-59), as well as Chancellor Day Hall (1965) and Pollack Hall (1973) at UU直播, and the Labyrinth at Montreal鈥檚 Expo 鈥�67.

On the Web: UU直播 School of Architecture