The VP responds to the Globe and Mail article of "The Mugging Of Thom's Trent" by Lisa Rochon, December 1, 2004. This article explains that the new Gzowski College has destroyed the architectural masterpiece that was Trent. As expected, the VP defends what the administration has done. However, notably absent from the VP's response are documentation and references to back up her assertions.

In spite of Clark's assertions there are many more who agree with Ms. Rochon's assessment. Here's what Denis Smith had to say about Ms. Rochon's article:

An architectural tradition
By Denis Smith
Globe and Mail - Wednesday, Dec 8, 2004 page A24

Ottawa -- Lisa Rochon's splendid article is a brilliant skewering of the mess made at the centre of Ron Thom's campus and will please many who watched this wretched building emerge over the past three years. If only her words could bring the thing crashing to the ground.

And David Kechnie;

An architectural tradition
By David Kechnie
Globe and Mail - Wednesday, Dec 8, 2004 page A24

Sudbury, Ont. -- My wife and I spent the 1960s in Peterborough and I often went to the Trent library just to study and read. It was the architecture that lured me there. I particularly remember the closeness of the river to where I was seated.

Last month, we returned to the campus as my wife had a conference at that "thing" across the river. I couldn't believe that they would construct such a monstrosity on such a holy place. I think Lisa Rochon's phrases "value engineering and prefabrication" and "grocer's bulk-food barn" describe it so well.

Trent's lack of stewardship is unforgivable. Surely the university board could have avoided this mugging.

And Jeremy Sturgess;

An architectural tradition
By Jeremy Sturgess
Sturgess Architecture
Globe and Mail - Wednesday, Dec 8, 2004 page A24

Calgary -- Bravo, Lisa Rochon. Her continued scrutiny of our profession gives us hope

And Barney Gilmore;

Picture puzzle
By BARNEY GILMORE
Globe and Mail - Thursday, Dec 9, 2004 page A24

Kaslo, B.C. -- The caption under the picture of Trent's Peter Gzowski College (letters -- Dec. 8) asks: "Architectural innovation or major eyesore?" Why do you imply it is either-or? I can't decide between neither or both.

And on April 12, 2004 the local Peterborough architect who worked with Ron Thom said the design of new Gzowski College is flawed. Walter Noble is convinced that both Tom and Peter Gzowski would roll over in their graves "at the sight of such a monstrous eyesore".

"The muted yellow and black facade on Trent University's new Peter Gzowski College clash badly with the harmony of Ron Thom's design of the original campus buildings, says retired architect Walter Noble" (source: caption under photograph accompanying Peterborough Examiner article Design flaw - buildings are an affront to architectural achievement - Apr. 12, 2004).

See related article "Destruction of Trent's architectural masterpiece: Absence of stewardship leads to destruction of architectural masterpiece that was Trent (Dec. 1, 2004)".

It is clear that the administration is extremely sensitive to further embarrassing criticism of its building projects from how they are managed to the end result. This one they appear particularly sensitive to. It has been characterized by being over budget (at least $3.2 million), late (at least 1 year), subject to contractor's liens (at least $9.2 million) and so ugly as to destroy the architectural heritage of the campus. GIven that Ontario universities are not subject to Freedom of Information legislation, it appears that fiscal details will remain in the hands of management and its board. However, you cannot hide a very large black and yellow box-like structure the size of Gzowski College and the results are there for all to see. In an attempt to defend itself, Trent management has unleashed a publicity spin entitled "In Defence of the Architectural Vision of Peter Gzowski College" to counter Ms. Rochon's article.

Here is Clark's letter to the Globe and Mail;