Heinz Oberlander

Peter Oberlander (1922-2008) was a Canadian architect and Canada’s first professor of urban and regional planning. He obtained his Bachelor of Architecture degree from McGill University and his Master of Urban Planning and Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from Harvard University. At Harvard, Walter Gropius suggested that Oberlander and fellow student Harry Seidler enroll for the 1946 Summer Art Institute at Black Mountain College to study with Josef Albers. At the University of British Columbia, Oberlander established Canada’s first department of Urban and Regional Planning. In Ottawa, he initiated the federal government’s Ministry of Urban Affairs. With his support and encouragement, the United Nations World Urban Forum III was held in Vancouver in 2006. Posthumously, he was awarded the United Nations Scroll of Honour Award on World Habitat Day, October 4, 2009.

Biography written by Mary Emma Harris for the Black Mountain College Project.

The University of British Columbia has an archive of papers from Peter, where he taught for many years.

Black Mountain College Project

Mary Emma Harris interviewed Peter in 2001 and the transcript is available from Appalachian State University under The Mary Emma Harris and Black Mountain College Project, Inc. Oral History collection.

Topics: Hearing about BMC from Walter Gropius at Harvard – travel by train and introduction to the South – first impressions of the college – Josef and Anni Albers – college atmosphere – Josef Albers classes– comparison of Harvard and Black Mountain College studies – woodworking class with Mary Gregory – Leo Amino and Jean Varda – Varda’s Greek party – Ruth Asawa – BMC landscape – BMC students – influence of Josef Albers