“Sir Ian holds a very special place in the history of Victoria University,” says Professor Guilford.
“Sir Ian made an extensive contribution to Victoria’s physical environment. The Hub, Recreation Centre, Student Union Building and Adam Art Gallery are buildings that are nationally and internationally recognised, and provide students and staff with practical and inspiring spaces to spend their time in while at the University.”
“He was instrumental in helping Victoria understand the impact of the challenging Kelburn geography on its campus amenity and his insight heavily influenced the successful planning and development which has occurred over many decades.”
Sir Ian’s contribution was not limited to the physical infrastructure of the University but was also evident in his commitment to Victoria’s School of Architecture.
After graduating from University of Auckland, in 1963, then the only architecture school in New Zealand, and practising in Wellington, Sir Ian was appointed a part-time lecturer at Victoria’s brand new School of Architecture in 1975. In 1987 he became the School’s first Professorial Fellow.
“Sir Ian was known for his willingness to help individual students, to be studied, analysed and interviewed. He inspired literally hundreds of New Zealand architects and designers.
It was appropriate that in April 2000 he was the first architect and designer to receive an honorary doctorate from Victoria,” says Professor Guilford.
“The thoughts of the whole Victoria community are with Sir Ian’s family at this time.”