- RG2024-2006-086-418
- Item
- 1983
Parte de Educational Media Access and Production (EMAP) fonds
W. P. Thompson Building, with mosaics shown.
Parte de Educational Media Access and Production (EMAP) fonds
W. P. Thompson Building, with mosaics shown.
Parte de Educational Media Access and Production (EMAP) fonds
W. P. Thompson Building, with mosaics shown.
Parte de Educational Media Access and Production (EMAP) fonds
W. P. Thompson Building, with mosaics shown.
Parte de Educational Media Access and Production (EMAP) fonds
W. P. Thompson Building, with mosaics shown.
Biology Building - Construction
Winter view looking south at final stages of construction of the Biology Building.
Bio/Historical Note: The W.P. Thompson Biology Building is named after Walter Palmer Thompson, the University of Saskatchewan's third president and founder of the Biology Department (1913). Designed by Izumi, Arnott and Sugiyama, it was constructed between 1957 and 1959 and officially opened in 1960. Set back from the Bowl, the flat-roofed cube style building was located between the Collegiate Gothic architecture of the Chemistry and Physics Buildings. It originally consisted of a teaching wing and a research wing but a header and greenhouse complex was added in 1962. Unlike many other Canadian universities the Department of Biology remained a single unit, balancing diverse sub-disciplines rather than separating into several distinct departments. Prior to the building's opening in 1960, work in biological sciences was scattered among four campus locations. Perhaps the most striking of the building’s features is the mural of mosaic tiles that adorns the south and west exterior walls. The mural depicts the four main stages of cellular mitosis. The artist, Roy Kiyooka, chose chromosome patterns as a testament to Dr. Thompson's important discoveries regarding the genetics of wheat rust. In 1986, the Geology Building was completed on the south side of Biology, resulting in the transformation of the south façade from an exterior into an interior wall, part of a new atrium.
Biology Building - Official Opening
Elevated view of students dressed in Roman togas and outfits interrupting the ceremonies as dignitaries are seated behind and laughing.
Biology Building - Official Opening
Allan E. Blakeney, Saskatchewan Minister of Education, speaks during official opening.
Biology Building - Official Opening
Elevated view of the crowd in the lecture theatre.
Biology Building - Official Opening
Students dressed in Roman togas and outfits interrupt the ceremonies as dignitaries are seated behind and laughing during the official opening.
Biology Building - Official Opening
View of dignitaries, some in caps and gowns, standing on stage as a speaker addresses the crowd during the official opening.
Biology Building - Official Opening
Presentation of scissors by Herb Pinder, member, Board of Governors, to Dr. W.P. Thompson, head, Biology, and third University President,
Looking west at the Biology Building.
Elevated view looking northeast of the Biology Building, taken from roof of Chemistry Building. Winter scene.
Looking southwest through trees at the Biology Building, students walk along paths.
Biology Building - Official Opening
Family members of W.P. Thompson, former head, Biology, and third University President, among the crowd after the official opening.