Facilities Management recognized for 100 years of construction

April 15, 2019

Vibrantly painted collage of Western's buildings by Peter Karas

Peter Karas

Vibrant oil painting of Western buildings by Peter Karas

by Facilities Management Communications

Western University has been recognized for more than 100 years of business in London by The London & District Construction Association (LDCA). The association acknowledges Western’s century-long contribution to growth in the community which has strengthened the economy, the culture, and Global reputation of the region.

Since purchasing land from the Kingsmill family in 1916, Western’s main campus has grown at an average rate of ten buildings per decade. In the early years, growth was slow, but building booms in recent decades have led to the University creating roughly one million square feet of occupied space per decade.

From the perspective of the association, the continued development on campus has been an anchor in the community. The LDCA noted, “in addition to surviving war, depressions, and intense competition, it is a testament to the people who work and have worked for these organizations.”

The LDCA honoured Western with a commissioned oil painting collage of historic points of interest on campus. Created by local artist Peter Karas, the vibrantly painted canvas features new and historic builds, including Amit Chakma Engineering Building, Ivey Building, Middlesex College, Richmond Gates, University College, and the University Drive Bridge. Similar to Karas’ other works, the piece is done in brilliant, harmonious colour and is a dichotomy of imagination grounded in reality. The piece is currently being displayed in Support Services Building, Rm. 2390.

The LDCA helps to connect member organizations through networking retreats, provides free learning and development opportunities, and offers benefits to support businesses with construction needs. FM was honoured with four other long-serving constructors in the region.