Stewarding Trent’s Iconic Architecture for Future Generations

New heritage fund to support masterful works of Ron Thom thanks to $250,000 gift from Bryan Davies and Andra Takacs

Bata Library sits as the architectural focal point and intellectual heart of Trent University. The stunning Faryon Bridge connects the east and west banks in an iconic arch. On the main campus, and in downtown Peterborough, the University boasts some of Canada’s most outstanding examples of mid-century modern design. 

Thanks to a $250,000 gift from former Trent University board chair Bryan Davies and his spouse Andra Takacs, the new Bryan P. Davies Heritage Fund will be used for capital expenses will help conserve and restore the masterful works of architect Ron Thom at Trent. This includes the design and heritage elements of the original areas on the Symons campus—the original Science Complex, Faryon Bridge, Bata Library and Podium, Champlain College, and Lady Eaton College—as well as Thom’s work at Traill College. 

“As the magnificent architecture enters its sixth decade, the challenges of keeping the structures well maintained and adapted to modern building standards have become increasingly demanding,” says Mr. Davies who served on Trent’s Board of Governors for eight years and was chair of the board from 2014 to 2016. “Through this fund, I want to help preserve the unique character of Trent’s built heritage.” 

Thom and his team of architects and designers planned Trent University over an unprecedented three-year period. The result was a coherent architectural style with a complete design from the inside-out. 

“The Traill College Senior Common Room is one of the most iconic examples of Thom’s ‘total design’ philosophy that holistically addressed architecture, furniture, colour and use simultaneously,” says Dr. Michael Eamon, co-chair of the University’s Heritage Stewardship Committee and principal of Traill College. “Because of the generosity of Bryan Davies, we have the much-needed opportunity to return this historical space to its original vision.  

Trent was the only university of the era that was designed as a ready-made collegiate institution with a collection of scholarly villages situated around a central library complex. The architectural design won several contemporary awards for its innovative style of university architecture.  

“After five decades of growth, Trent University’s award-winning architecture continues to inspire students, engage the imagination, and uplift the university as a place of scholarly exploration,” Professor Eamon adds. “Our challenge now is to steward our priceless landscape and ensure that it can be maintained for future generations.” 

Over the course of his professional career, Mr. Davies has held numerous senior positions in the public and private sectors including serving as a deputy minister in the Ontario government. He has also chaired a major federal Crown Corporation, led the regulatory affairs function at Canada’s largest financial services group and served as the vice-president, Business Affairs and CAO of the University of Toronto. His volunteer roles on numerous charitable boards primarily focus on education and heritage.  

Learn more about Heritage Stewardship at Trent University.