Accolades and Anecdotes
Erickson stands with major architects of the last half of the 20th century; notably James Stirling and Aldo Rossi, in having invented unsurpassed urban schemes as well as brilliant new building types that were well ahead of their time socially and environmentally. However, the dynamic evolution of his work still waits to be assessed and, like other distinguished figures not yet properly situated, including Jorn Utzon, Sverre Fehn and Luis Barragan, the full extent of Erickson's body of work will be a real discovery.
- Phyllis Lambert, Architect, Founder- The Canadian Centre For Architecture
Arthur Erickson is by far the greatest architect in Canada, and may be the greatest on this continent.
- Phillip Johnson, American Architect
What strikes one most forcibly about Erickson’s buildings, especially if one is an architect too, is how difficult they are to describe in conventional terms. A certain house may be best described by the way sunlight enters it and moves across a wall or a floor; by the way an interior space meets the hillside; by the way one moves from one space into the next, and is seduced by views of the landscape and the smell of flowers… Erickson's buildings have no conventional facades, no false fronts that address the general public and the public press. His buildings address, instead, the sensibilities of those who live in them and use them, who look out, more often, than in. As you walk through his houses or his urban complexes, you feel that the architect has revealed to you a new way of experiencing your world, and that he had you in mind when he created this space or that view.
- Peter Blake, American Architect, Writer, Teacher
He talks about the magic, the instinctual thing that happens. He talks about Picasso saying "I don't look for something, I find something." And Arthur was like that. He has those magic moments that just take your breath away.
- Donald Sutherland, Actor
Canada, and the world, have lost a remarkable architect, one whose accomplishments spanned the globe. Here at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, I have the good fortune of working in one of his inspiring buildings every day, and I know that his designs will continue to lead innovation and originality in the next generation of international designers. This month marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the iconic Erickson Embassy. Over the years we have welcomed a very large number of visitors who have come to see the building, and they never fail to be intrigued by the quintessentially Canadian touchstones in his design.
- Michael Wilson, Canadian Ambassador
Arthur’s great talent beside his strength of design, is his ability to convince clients that his designs can be built.
- Geoffrey Massey, Architect, Partner- Erickson Massey Architects
He is an absolutely first rate architect… surely the best architect in Canada, and one of the leading architects of the world. But Erickson’s work really transcends international boundaries. He is not a “Canadian” architect, he is a major international architect who happens to come from Canada. A major Erickson building is a work of international interest.
- Paul Goldberger, New York Times Architecture Critic
Arthur was more than just a superb architect, he was a lovely and civilized human being as well. It was a privilege knowing Arthur and Francisco professionally and privately.
- Ann Videriksen, Author
I was always fascinated observing Arthur in action, because he’s a combination that is unusual. He is a master publicist, and at the same time, he’s truly an artist. So it’s not the case where you say someone is socially and promotionally clever, and therefore he succeeds. It’s the coming together of his vision and talent with a pretty sophisticated promotional campaign that made him succeed in both Canada and abroad.”
- Moshe Sadie, Architect. Quote from The Life & Times of Arthur Erickson
He was a prince and a poet among us. Alas, the poet is gone. But the poem of his life's long journey lives on.
- Abraham Rogatnick, Architect, Professor
Arthur Erickson is, with Louis Kahn, the only non-European architect I would call to operate in any historical center in Italy, no matter how precious and rare, even Venice itself.
- Giuseppe Mazzariol, Director , Querini Stampalia Library and Gallery, Venice
Arthur Erickson's major public buildings were rethinking of architectural genres along utopian, democratic ideals. They embody ideas and attitudes that are familiar today but were decidedly unfamiliar when he first presented them.
- David Stouk, Author "Arthur Erickson, An Architects's Life"
Erickson’s project (Robson Square- Vancouver Art Gallery- Law Courts complex) gives the city of Vancouver a heart.
- Gordon Shrum, Former Chancelor, Simon Fraser University
I ended the interview (with Arthur in his garden) by a series of questions called the Proust questionnaire. One of the questions is: When you arrive in paradise, what do you think God will say to you? He smiled with the most beautiful, serene, luminous smile, and said: "Go back and do it again!"
- Michele Smolkin, Director, CBC Radio-Canada
It is a very expensive building to build, but I think it’ll be one of the great buildings not only in Canada, not only in the United States, but anywhere in the world. It’s that good.
- Donald Trump, Developer, regarding the Erickson-designed Trump Tower, 2013
From you Arthur I learned so much. In the beginning of our work at Robson Square I presented you with an architectural plan for the planterboxes at the courthouse, namely, Taxus media Hicksii (Yew). You took one look at my drawing and said gently, "But Cornelia there are many greens". What did Arthur mean? This comment started my mind spinning in the right direction. Your comment will never be forgotten. Thus I sing an ode to 35 years of collaboration with you Arthur. I will miss you. With every step I take at the Museum of Anthropology I think of you.
- Cornelia Oberlander, Landscape Architect
Erickson's architectural talent is known world-wide. For many, he came to define British Columbia architecture. He certainly put it on the international map. Erickson's unique view of the world came through his work. He considered environmental awareness in his projects long before it was fashionable. He had a genuine appreciation and understanding of nature and context, qualities that he was magically able to translate into his work. His distinct architectural style borrowed from Greek tradition with traces of cultural influences from Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East. He used light, wood, stone and other natural elements in a way that captured the essence of the West Coast. Perhaps his greatest legacy, however, is the inspiration he gave to others. Several of today's architectural leaders spent time learning at his hand. Many others chose to become architects because of Erickson and his peers. His ideas continue to shape the next generation of architects. One cannot overstate Arthur Erickson's impact on Canadian architecture. He was a teacher, mentor, collaborator, creator, artist and visionary. His loss brings sadness, but also admiration and awe.
- Pierre Gallant, President, Architectural Institute of British Columbia
He was a remarkable man until the very end. He was so loved. He wasn't just admired, he was loved as a person and that's a mark of greatness in my eyes.
- Dorothy Barkley
Everybody loves to throw around the word legacy and treasure but Arthur really is a Canadian treasure and he's left his mark behind.
- Bob Rennie, Developer
Of any "name" person I've known, Erickson had the least ego. He never needed to dominate a dinner table. It was only with prodding that he might tell you of trekking with Trudeau in Tibet, of time on the beach with Princess Diana, or of gossiping about spiritual teachers with his good friend Shirley MacLaine.
- Hugh Brewster, Writer
I was a student with Arthur at UBC in the late 60's and worked in his office in the 70's. I recall when SFU was still under construction. Arthur took the whole class to SFU and he also invited Helen Goodwin, a well known dancer and choreographer to conduct a workshop with us to experience the new campus through dance and movements. One of the exercises was the whole class rolled down the grassy slope to experience the topography of the hillside site. It was a joyful and exhilarating moment for all, including Arthur. I was so inspired by that event I joined Helen's dance company after I graduated from architecture. I am sure if Arthur is here today he would invite the entire congregation to roll down the hill with him to truly sense and touch this magnificent and timeless architecture he created which is still very much alive today. With admiration and forever thankful,
- Tad Young, Architect,
Canada has lost an icon but we know that Arthur's work and spirit will live on.
- Shahram Malek, Developer
I can name many fine Canadian architects but if I had to pick out the great Canadian architect of this, or any other time, I would unhesitatingly name Arthur Erickson. Out of all of Canada's builders he has probably the purest and most evocative vision of his country's character.
- George Woodcock, Author
Arthur was always a student of the arts. He never stopped questioning and learning, and challenging assumptions. He brought the same intellectual rigour and passion to architecture.
- Christopher Erickson, Nephew
My mentor the late sculptor Dr. Elizabeth Bradford Holbrook (1913-2009) told me once as a fledgling artist there are two people you must meet; one is Isabel McLaughlin and the other Arthur Erickson." When I told her I already knew Isabel she laughed and said "Good now get back to British Columbia and meet Arthur. I'll introduce you to him." Within a month letters and phone calls transpired and soon I found myself sitting next to a man who was an icon of architecture. He was full of absolute grace, possessed a strong quiet smile and was above all else humble. To me he was larger than any works of art he ever created. Upon meeting him he asked "What is your fortune in this world young man?" I replied in a nervous tone "I am a portrait sculptor, it’s all I want to do…it’s all I know how to do." Arthur paused, smiled and said "If it's all you can do then you have no other choice than be successful and don't let anyone or anything stand in your way." I still hear his words chiming eloquently in my mind to this very day. I trust I shall always hear his voice!
- Christian Corbet, Artist/ Sculptor
Arthur will remain a national treasure. The combination of his calm, quiet, monastic private domain with that of his giant public image will live on. We who have witnessed both are indeed very enriched. - Simon Scott, Architect, Photographer He was a good man, a man of ability and dreams, a man that made a worthwhile contribution to this world, and a man that I will sincerely miss.
- Bogue Babicki, Structural Engineer
Arthur Erickson wasn't just this country's most distinguished architect, he was also its most civilized. Resident of Canada, citizen of the world, Erickson roamed over continents and cultures with the greatest of ease. Perhaps because of his West Coast roots, Erickson's architecture was rooted in the landscape of which it was part. He saw his designs as a dialogue between a building and its setting. This "conversation," as one curator put it, "can establish a perception of the 'infinities' to which they both belong." But in an age of starchitecture, Erickson's refusal to adopt a signature look kept him from achieving the kind of recognition he deserved. "I've always been against style, as such," he once said. "We have to live in the moment." Even at their most corporate, his buildings possess an elegance that lifts them beyond the realm of money and power. Great buildings, he said, moved the spirit. In his work, he proved himself true.
- Christopher Hume, Critic
His best work was strong and clear, yet sensitive to site, material, and light. Thanks for all the great spaces, Mr. Erickson.
- Derek DeLand
I feel so honoured to have been one of Arthur's students in the early '60s who witnessed and participated in so many of his early designs, each one a treasure to conceive and behold. Later it was my joy and a personal career highlight, as part of the design team, to work tirelessly with Arthur and Francisco on the magnificent Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto in the late '70s and early '80s. I am now a semi-retired architect who continues to pursue her art which was sparked so intensely long ago by those early architectural studies, inspired to follow her own path, and forever celebrating the teaching, life work, and influence of Arthur Erickson.
- Margaret Soon Holland, Architect
Arthur loved life and its natural beauty immensely and inspired by that beauty, he shared his joy and happiness with others. He lifted up his friends. He brought out their individual greatness and inspired them to know and express much more of their own intelligence. He embraced happiness and extended it to others of all ranks and stations of life without prejudice, whether it was lifelong friends, new and younger friends or prime ministers, kings and princesses. They all received his honesty and respect equally, dispensed with humility, good humour and wisdom. He was a gentleman. He represents the best of us as a nation and as a people. Those who know, say he is the greatest architect of the 20th century. He encompassed our great country's values of social conscience, dignity for all and love of nature.
- Bruce Bingham
His buildings are well-crafted and profoundly intelligent in their design and organization. They dissolve conventional distinctions between art and science, space and structure, building and landscape, architecture and urban design, and they are absolutely contextual in the ways that they address site, climate, culture and history, daylight and the natural colour of materials. They are without exception not merely beautiful but delightful. They are unimaginably original in the extent to which they anticipate, interpret and redefine our expectations. They often seem impossibly 'right' for their place and time, and they can be breathtaking.
- David Covo, Architect
A long ago visit to the Museum of Anthropology started me on a journey that continues to twist and turn in wonderful ways. Thank you for your inspiring work. A challenge and a delight.
- Aaron Bourgoin
He's my oldest friend. I'm going to miss him dreadfully and I know a lot of people will. Arthur was one of the great Canadians. He wasn't just a good architect he was a great man. Erickson never dwelled on the past. He was always a visionary, he looked forward. He appreciated young architects and incorporated new ideas and modern trends into his designs up until the end.
- Gordon Smith. Artist
I just heard that Arthur Erickson passed away, I remember meeting him when I was considering a career path in Architecture, and the honest and sincere advice he offered me! I wish I had written down everything he said, it helped give me direction back then, and so I find myself where I am today, not an architect but a designer! Arthur Erickson was not just a talented man, but a kind and very wise man! "It is the mystery of the creative act that something other than our conscious self takes over." -Arthur Erickson Thank you ... Rest in Peace Arthur!
- Julian Luckham
Arthur was an amazing man in many ways. Having worked with him for years on projects in Canada and the Middle East, I can confirm that he was incredibly open to the ideas of the architects working for him - yet somehow always improving on them - a terrific learning process. I'll always remember his amazing stories of his travels and the time spent in his office was truly a gift I'll always remember.
- David Siverson
I remember meeting architects in Paris, Beijing, Baghdad and beyond who - as soon as I told them I was Canadian - would mention Arthur's name with great respect. I only wish he could have been better appreciated and celebrated here. I remember what a great dancer Arthur was. He came to my book launch (for Dancing in the No Fly Zone: a Woman's Journey Through Iraq) in 2005 at the Vancouver Museum. After some Iraqi dancing, I put on some Cuban music and within minutes Arthur was on the dance floor, spinning me around like a salsa god. I was very impressed with his dancing skills. I remember Arthur with great joy, friendship and admiration, but also with a deep sense of loss, both personally and for the world of architecture. I shall miss his presence, his warmth and personality and also his great support and encouragement of young artists, writers and architects. I sincerely hope that his legacy will live on. I dreamt of Arthur the other night. He came to meet me at a cafe and told a rather droll story about how badly designed the entrance to heaven was. Of course he was busy redesigning it. But he did say he was enjoying all the dancing.
- Hadani Ditmars, Author
I think we just lost Canada's greatest architect. He did things for Canada's reputation that no one else has. He was pure and simple impressive in what he was able to do. I think he's an absolute and incredible icon of Canadian architecture and also cultural life. I'm very sad but also joyous that we had him.
- Donald Luxton
My first real meeting with Arthur Erickson occurred on a plane, which I am told was not unusual in those heady days. I was flying with him from Toronto to Ottawa for a meeting on the landscaping around the Bank of Canada Headquarters, his first large project in eastern Canada. (By the way, I found out that day that the fastest way from downtown Toronto to the airport is to have Arthur Erickson drive. He would have made a champion racing-car driver.) On the plane I showed Arthur the latest landscape plan for the atrium along with the non-matching plan I had received from the Sparks Street Mall architect. I also showed him a plan I had worked up showing a possible resolution. First, he told me the plan I had for the building did not represent his concept at all, and secondly, that this plan, plus my "resolution" plan were not to be shown in the meeting. OK, I thought, this is going to be a pretty funny meeting - we called it, and we have nothing to show. As I later found out was a typical occurrence, the meeting started with a lot of preliminary small-talk and gossip, during which time Arthur made clear his total lack of respect for the Sparks Street Mall authority - and how he felt sorry that this poor architect colleague had to work for such a lousy client. He reminisced how his plan to extend the Bank of Canada's atrium right across Sparks Street to link with the building opposite had been vetoed, and how short-sighted it all was. He declared that this meeting was all about making the best of a bad situation, and with this architect's help we could all achieve something worthwhile. With that he called for some tracing paper, put it over the top of the plan on the table, and sketched out his proposal. The other architect objected, saying that the Bank of Canada design he had been given differed from what Arthur was drawing. Arthur replied that whatever he had been given was out-of-date and he would beprovided with up-to-date drawings. He asked me about the status of these phantom drawings, and I said they were done, and on his desk awaiting his final approval. With that Arthur looked at his watch, said he had a plane to catch, and off we went. On the plane going back I noted how well he had handled the situation, but warned him that I would have trouble in getting approval from the Bank for the changes, and had no real leverage to keep the other architect on track. Arthur shot back that I should tell those folk that he, Arthur, would take matters to the highest authorities if there were any objections. Sure enough there were objections. I issued the threats in the best diplomatic style I could muster. It took more meetings, but eventually the design changes were made. I thought to myself - there is more to the art of architecture than I had dreamed.
- Keith Loffler, Architect
Arthur Erickson's major public buildings were rethinking of architectural genres along utopian, democratic ideals. They embody ideas and attitudes that are familiar today but were decidedly unfamiliar when he first presented them.
- David Stouk, Author "Arthur Erickson, An Architects's Life"
Our country has lost a great Canadian in Arthur Erickson. He leaves an inspiring legacy of excellence, creativity and commitment to the field of architecture, both in Canada and abroad. I am certain that he will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched.
- Michaelle Jean, Former Governor General of Canada
Arthur is an icon in the truest sense and yet his character was just nothing but lovely. Conversations with Arthur were always unique and he gave lifetime advice, encouraged and inspired me as a young artist. We spoke in great detail about Spain, particularly Salamanca, a city which impacted both of us in a profound manner. It was always such a joy to listen to his travel anecdotes as he shared his worldly and cultural experiences. His words of wisdom shall continue to inspire me deeply as I remember a true gentleman and citizen of the world.
- Tini Meyer, Artist
Carving out a role as public intellectual that few architects risk, Erickson constantly called for better designs from his peers, and for Vancouver to make the investments in transportation, housing, and institutions befitting its inevitable fate as a world city. His pronouncements doubtlessly scared away clients and cost him financially, but their legacy has galvanized Vancouver and provided a template for architects everywhere struggling to reconcile form-making, city- building, and living with nature. One has to go all the way back to Daniel Burnham's shaping of Chicago to find another North American architect who so dominated a large city's architectural culture. Like Burnham, Erickson was celebrated both for his technically innovative and elegant buildings and his progressive urban ideals and schemes. Many regard Erickson as the intellectual author of "Vancouverism" - an approach to city building characterized by developments that are high-density, high-amenity, socially inclusive, and respectful of nature.
- Trevor Boddy, Author, Critic
He was a great teacher, full of worldly wisdom, and had a tremendous influence on us. He never said no, for example, and would instead raise a question. Often he would respond to questions by saying nothing at all. In architectural terms that usually meant, "Back to the drawing board."
- Geoffrey Erickson, Nephew
I had the privilege to experience Arthur as my teacher asI began my studies in Architecture at UBC. He began by teaching us "how to learn". His approach took the form of questions, creating a cascade effect of questioning until one understood the essence of the problem and the path to its solution. Even the titles of assigned problems inspired question, for example; "Motion in Nature", "Seven Stones", "Object to Support the Human Body", "Space for Contemplation", "A Space and a Meal". His pedagogical beliefs and lessons have left a legacy within me and I in turn have found teachers and schools for my children who share such values in education. Thank you Arthur.
- Tanya Hahn Dorsey
He was ahead of his time which is why he was not properly recognized. He has created architecture of the earth out of the earth, and he has done it with extraordinary humanity.
- Phyllis Lambert, Founder, Canadian Center For Architecture
Mr. Erickson's visionary work- his concern for the people inhabiting his buildings, as well as the environment in which they stand- has set precedents for worldwide study and emulation by people whose concern for humanity and it's environment is more than just empty phrasing. In the view of the selection committee, the work of Arthur Erickson has done much, and will do much more, to contribute to the betterment of the world we live in.
- The Honourable J.V. Clyne, Chairman, Tha Royal Bank Award Selection Committee.
Erickson's best buildings stand still in time. They are simultaneously primordial and prophetic, bridging history and the future; none more so than the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. It is a prime example of what he considered the four principal architectural elements: site, light, cadence and space. For all of his numerous awards and accolades, perhaps Erickson's brightest badge is the legacy he left Vancouver. He helped the city grow up, and for that we are all indebted to him. We don't need to put up a plaque or statue. We don't need to build a shrine. Erickson's shrines are all around us. They're a part of our lives.
- Guy Babineau, Writer
Erickson is sometimes described as the greatest architect that Canada has ever produced, our equiva lent to Frank Lloyd Wright. I believe that the test of time will show that, on a global scale, he was one of architecture's greatest practitioners “ an accolade that would reflect the depth of his understanding of architecture from both a historic and multicultural perspective. I could not have been more fortunate than to have had Arthur as a teacher, mentor and colleague. His celebration of humanity, his insatiable curiosity and extraordinary gifts as an architect have resulted in buildings that celebrate the human spirit and our connection to the earth.
- NIick Bawlf
All of his great works and his many honours provide a more fitting tribute than simple words can offer. Whether here in his beloved British Columbia, across the country or around the world, his works speak to his vision and genius. Mr. Erickson represented the finest example of what can happen when Canadian talent and expertise is brought to the rest of the world. He also showed what great things can be accomplished when vision and creativity are encouraged and allowed to flourish. A society that can elicit the best from its most talented can achieve great things. The shining examples that he leaves behind for us and the generation to come - achievements like the Simon Fraser campus, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, and the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C. - allow us all to live in a world that is more beautiful for his having been with us. We have lost a great Canadian, but his work will remain a testament to his life and an inspiration to all those who follow in his footsteps.
- Michael Ignatieff, M.P.
I feel very lucky that my first job after college was with a most inspiring mentor, Arthur Erickson who was a world famous architect in Canada. Working with Arthur and his teams felt like an extension of the design studios at college where we were free to offer ideas and experiment. Erickson's offices were more like ateliers, where we could explore ideas freely and not be afraid or shy about personal design process, much like an artist.
- Wyn Bielaska, Architect
I first met Arthur more than 30 years ago when he asked me to perform Japanese classical music in the beautiful garden of his home at one of his events. After the guests had left, he spent a few hours explaining how and where he had collected a number of beautiful Japanese artifacts and we had from that time, built a friendship that I will forever cherish. He enjoyed and supported my music and when my husband opened one of his Japanese restaurants, Arthur attended the opening to offer a speech during the ceremony. Any time Arthur had Japanese themed events, he always asked that I perform my music and as long as I was in Vancouver, I would never say no! Just today I performed my koto music at an event and I played a little something thinking of Arthur and his love of the Japanese culture and the sounds of the koto. Arthur will forever be remembered. Thank you for sharing, thank you for your teachings, and thank you for your friendship!
- Teresa Tabo (Kobayashi)
He is a superstar, you can’t deny it. I think Erickson contributes to his superstardom by his lifestyle, his jet-setting approach to life. The fact that he spends so much of his life on an airplane- doing so much of his work flying around the world. One day he’s in Tibet, another day in Jeddah, next day in Vancouver, and so on. There’s something attractive and exciting about someone who lives this way.
- Abraham Rogatnick, Architect, Professor
Ever elegant, ever gracious Erickson designed without the polite drafting impulses of many Canadian architects. He sought to inspire humanity through architecture - nothing less than that. And he led a movement in Canada to create buildings that depend on exquisite siting and an honest expression of raw materials. As much as Erickson enjoyed the stripped-back aesthetic of modernism, he was a romantic capable of creating distracting and even special effects with his architecture. He believed that architecture, intelligently conceived and carefully constructed, could inspire and possibly heal. The desire to accomplish this invested him with a young heart and an ever- curious mind. Erickson lived and he dreamed. He decided early on to take a position about architecture: It should honour and amaze. Erickson made architecture to convince Canadians their aspirations didn't always have to be meek and mild- they could think big.
- Lisa Rochon, Author
Moving from micro to macro scale, the principles that inform Erickson’s design remains the same throughout his career even when the formal language of the architecture appears to change. His one constant search was to merge architecture into landscape by first studying the site and then carefully identifying strategies that would activate a poetic awareness of the land. Whether designing an acropolis of learning for a mountain top in Burnaby (Simon Fraser University) or a bridge for learning amid coulees sculpted by glacial movement (University of Lethbridge), Erickson both challenged and expanded the notion of modernist architecture with inventive yet contextual responses to site.
- Michelangelo Sabatino, Writer, Professor of Architecture
Just imagine working with Arthur Erickson, who thought up what Vancouver would be. There’s nothing like that on the market today. There are not people who are thinking big.
- Cornelia Oberlander, Landscape Architect
I think just as diplomats represent their country, people and interest to the world, so too an embassy chancery displays its country’s face to the world…This bold and dramatic building, the new Chancery of Canada does that. Monumental in its appearance, it also I think conveys the warmth and the openness of the people of Canada.
- James Baker, former U.S. Secretary of State
It is quite natural that in thinking of Arthur Erickson, we are immersed in his extensive portfolio of over 700 commissions. We often do this at the expense of forgetting who Arthur was and what an outstanding individual he represented. For those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Arthur, it is also appropriate to remember him for who he was—a man of great intellect; possessed with an enormous range of talents; imbued with transformational influences; a great mentor but most importantly a man who was truly inspirational. His mentorship knew no boundaries and in doing so, he exhibited interminable patience. He had a marvelous sense of humour and lived life to its fullest and with a unique passion and grace. In his time, Arthur was by far, the most transcendentalist architect existent … He more than anyone else celebrated humanism and the influence of nature in his extensive canon of work.
- Phillip Boname, President of the Arthur Erickson Foundation
He managed to take the state of the art beyond what you would expect is possible at the moment. There’s this combination in Arthur of having the concept of the courthouse as an an urban garden, and having the power of convincing judges and ministers and so on, that that that’s an idea worth realizing, and then doing it to perfection!
- Moshe Sadie, Architect, Quote from The Life & Times of Arthur Erickson