Clifford Wiens facts for kids

Clifford Donald Wiens (1926–2020) was a famous Canadian architect, designer, writer, and poet. He was known for his unique building designs. Wiens played a big part in creating modern architecture in Western Canada after World War II. People called him a "poetic architect." His buildings showed a special connection with the people who used them. One of his most famous works is the University of Regina Heating and Cooling Building.

Clifford Wiens had strong ideas about how buildings should be designed. He believed that architecture should make people happy. This meant pleasing their eyes, minds, and bodies. He also thought that buildings must be useful and work well. A flashy building that doesn't serve its purpose was a failure to him. Wiens believed architects could make the world better. He felt that good design improved everything it touched.

Wiens grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada. He didn't start by studying architecture. He first studied agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan. Later, he studied painting at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. He then found his true calling in design. He earned a degree in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1954. After graduating, he opened his own architecture firm in Regina in 1957.

Growing Up and Learning

What Was Clifford Wiens's Childhood Like?

Clifford Wiens was born on April 27, 1926. He grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan. From a young age, he loved designing and building things. As a child, he built detailed mud cities after it rained. He helped his father build chicken coops and fences. He even made houses for the farm cats. Wiens later said building cat houses wasn't play. He felt he was an architect, even then.

His father encouraged him to be creative and solve problems. For example, Wiens had to drive fence posts into the ground. Instead of just digging, he used a crowbar to make a starter hole. This made the job much easier. Living on the prairies also helped him love nature and art. He made paint brushes from horse hair. He painted the landscapes around him.

How Did Clifford Wiens Get His Education?

Clifford Wiens started school in a one-room schoolhouse. His first languages were German. He learned English by age seven. After high school, he went to the University of Saskatchewan. He studied agriculture there in 1943. He had a scholarship for young farmers.

However, Wiens soon decided to follow his passion for art. He left agriculture to study painting. He went to the Banff Centre for Continuing Education. He even studied with A.Y. Jackson, a famous Canadian artist. But Wiens worried about finding a job as a painter.

So, he decided to study design and construction. In 1949, he went to the Rhode Island School of Design. He got a full scholarship. He first planned to design farm equipment. But after a year, he switched to architecture. The school taught modern design ideas. These ideas captured Wiens's interest. He graduated with an architecture degree in 1954.

Clifford Wiens's Career Highlights

What Were Clifford Wiens's First Projects?

After finishing school, Wiens returned to Saskatchewan. He chose Regina because it was a growing city. It had new ideas in politics and art. The city was also booming in farming and mining. Wiens wanted to work in these areas.

He started as an intern designer. He worked with other architects. His first big project was for the Saskatchewan Power Corporation. He helped design their headquarters. While working there, he met the Regina Five. They were famous Canadian painters.

In 1957, Wiens became a full architect. He started his own company, Clifford Wiens Architect Ltd. Over 40 years, his firm completed over 100 projects. His first major project was St. Joseph's Church in Whitewood. It was built in 1959. The church had a simple triangular design. This slanted roof helped protect it from strong prairie winds.

What Were His Main Achievements?

Clifford Wiens Architects Ltd. worked on many important buildings. These included the John Nugent Studio (1960) and the Mennonite Brethren Church (1961). A very famous project was the Heating and Cooling Plant at the University of Regina (1967). These projects made his firm very successful. His work was even featured as a great example of Canadian architecture after Expo 67.

In 1970, his firm grew and changed its name to Wiens and Associates Ltd. They started working outside Regina. Projects included the Nakusp Hot Springs Resort in British Columbia (1974). In 1979, Wiens partnered with Ross Johnstone. The firm became Wiens Johnstone Architects Ltd. They took on bigger projects. These included the CBC Studios in Regina (1983) and Prince Albert City Hall (1984).

During his career, Wiens also taught at many universities. He was a visiting professor in Canada and the United States. He taught at places like the University of Manitoba and the University of British Columbia. His partnership with Johnstone ended in 1987. Wiens continued his practice as Clifford Wiens Architect Ltd. until he retired in 1994.

When Did Clifford Wiens Retire?

After 1987, Clifford Wiens had one main project. It was the Auxiliary Building at Augustana University College (1986). This building still provides space for art studios and classrooms.

Wiens was known for working very hard. He designed and advised on projects for over 60 years. He only stopped when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994. He closed his practice and moved to Arizona for two years. Then, he settled in Vancouver with his wife. Even in retirement, he worked as a consultant for homes. His main focus became writing poetry and philosophy books. He wrote many books, including Poetry en Prose (2015) and All in Verse - Continued Thinking (2018).

Clifford Wiens's Design Ideas

Why Was He Called a 'Poet Architect'?

Many people called Wiens a "Poet Architect." He loved this name. He always tried to make his buildings poetic. He said he started writing poetry more seriously later in his career. His buildings showed poetry through their new designs. They also showed how well he communicated with clients and users. For example, his studio roof had a unique steel arch. This design was very new for its time.

Wiens also wrote many books in his later years. He published over 17 works. These books covered topics from his life during the Great Depression. He also wrote poetry about losing his wife.

What Did Clifford Wiens Believe About Design?

Wiens believed in a few simple rules for good design. He said that architecture should always please the eye, mind, and body. Buildings should look good, but they must also work well. He stressed how important it was to respect the client's needs and budget. He felt that if an architect didn't do this, they would lose trust.

Wiens was a key architect in Canada after World War II. He helped create a unique style for Western Canada. He favored Modernism. He saw it as a strong base for future generations. He believed Modernism was connected to older, classical architecture. He said a modern building works well, fits its location, and shows off modern materials. These ideas are true for all good buildings, old or new. Wiens also strongly believed that architects should improve things. He often said, "When architects do things well, it left the world a little bit improved."

Clifford Wiens's Family Life

Who Was Clifford Wiens's Family?

Clifford Wiens was married once to Patricia Elizabeth Leigh. She also loved nature and art. She studied fine arts and taught pottery. Patricia was a creative partner to Clifford. They married in 1956 and were together for 62 years. They had six children and twelve grandchildren.

Because both Clifford and Patricia loved nature and art, their children also chose creative jobs. These included cooking, jewelry making, and dance. For example, their daughter Robin Poitras is a co-founder of New Dance Horizons in Regina. She has won awards for her dance performances.

Clifford Wiens's Lasting Impact

Clifford Wiens left behind a huge collection of his work. The University of Regina has over 5,200 of his architectural drawings. They also have 100 photographs and many other items. These pieces show his work from 1953 to 1990. He is also remembered for his poetry and architecture books.

Sadly, many of Wiens's private buildings have not been well cared for. For example, the Silton Chapel was found to be falling apart in 2015. Moisture was rotting its wooden beams.

|