Decades of Design

“I lived in K-L staircase in Champlain College for two years and after I moved into town it was my second home, as many friends stayed in residence their entire time at Trent. It is always the first place I stop when I visit Trent, and it always brings back a flood of memories. The mixture of concrete and wood in all the public spaces was unique to Champlain, and being awakened at 6:00 a.m. by the rowing team going by under my window every fall was always a treat!”

David Evans ’76
(Champlain College)

“My boyfriend, Brett, who is also a Trent alumni, and I return to campus throughout the year to enjoy the river and the sense of calm it brings. With the beautifully restored shoreline, the view of the bridge has become even more striking, offering a whole new perspective as you walk alongside the water. Sitting by the river is incredibly peaceful and remains one of our favourite summer traditions—driving up to campus, taking in the view, and appreciating the quiet beauty that makes Trent feel like home.”

Sierra Sumner ‘18
(Gzowski College)

“Bata Library is my favourite building primarily because it elegantly blends with the landscape and Otonabee River with its meticulous form and natural stone finishes. It anchors the University main campus as a place to gather with its thoughtful amphitheatre-like steps and bespoke exterior and interior architectural design features like the brise soleil envelope structure and skylights which allow for lots of natural light inside the library.”

Tony Mukangura ’89
(Lady Eaton College)

“I work remotely as an editor at The Narwhal and rent an office on the third floor of Sadleir House. Once or twice a year, someone pokes their head in and says, ‘I used to live in this room.’ It feels right for a place like this. It’s a real treat to work in such a beautiful building - the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the mouldings, fireplaces, and stained glass are something to behold.”

Will Pearson ’07
(Champlain College)

“Catharine Parr Traill - so beautiful! Love the old windows; wished I had that college as mine (sorry Otonabee)!”

Lara Kuzyk ’94
(Otonabee College)

“Lady Eaton College has long been, and will always remain, my favourite building on campus. When I first visited Trent in 2014, I was struck by the distinctiveness of its architecture and the intentionality behind every detail - from the design of the common spaces and their furnishings to the way the natural light filters through the dining hall windows.”

Shannon Featherston ’15
(Lady Eaton College)

“The Chemical Science Building was the home to many of my friendships, mentors, and Eureka moments! It’s the background to my most favourite memories - the halls, the divot, and the laboratories.”

Mark Robinson ’99
(Otonabee College)

“Architect Richard Henriquez had a dilemma when asked to design Trent’s long awaited Environmental Science Building. The building site was on the east side of the Otonabee River and would adjoin the existing Sciences Complex. But a railway line ran through the middle of the site. The line was undergoing a formal process of abandonment with both local and national governments involved. Delays crept into the process. So, Henriquez imagined a building that had been the subject of a collision with a speeding train. If you stand outside on the upper deck where the buildings meet, you can see an architectural sense of humour at play. Look south and there remains a section of track in the Walter Ward Garden. Look north and pay close attention to the materials - red brick and red block. They are jumbled as if this is where they landed after the collision.”

Tony Storey ’71
(Champlain College)

“To me, the Atrium represents the heart of Trent Durham. It’s a space where students, staff, and visitors naturally come together, drawn in by the beautiful daylight that fills the space. It’s the first space that greets you upon entering, setting the tone for what the University offers: community, possibility, and a place to belong.”

Nilo Honarbakhsh ’16
Trent Durham GTA

“I love the look of the Athletics Centre, especially from the back when you are walking down the path. The vines that grow on it add so much character to the building.”

Linnea Cooke ’19
(Otonabee College)