| Visually articulated as a circular ensemble, sited at the center of the campus, Alumni Circle Plaza’s theme references the history and traditions of the University, its achievements, and its function as an interactive space, the “Center of Learning,” now and for the future.
*to form a circle or ring around; surround; a university community environed by pleasant grounds.
The concept of “art on a horizontal plane” elaborates the idea of the horizon as view–the range of interest or activity that can be anticipated–any activity that is beyond the horizon of present knowledge.
A layered installation, functionally and expressively, my design for Alumni Environ speaks to the progressive, experiential tenets of education; new horizons, views, and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge. This view is manifested in the symbolic properties of the circle.
The functional orientation of the work transforms flatness and makes visible the spatial properties of volume as evoked by the formal properties of the circle that are both elevated and planar. Structural features of the circular pattern include a series of intersecting circles that are tangent to the site from the participant’s position and their perceptions in or outside the environ as defined above.
The range of perception or experience acquired is realized in the sociability that the ovoid form evokes as one circumambulates a circle, or in this case a series of intersecting circles. A shape replete with symbolism the circle is, among other concepts, the symbol of time, the turning wheel, signifying fullness and perfection, cyclical and universal time, with light as its emblematic element.
The projection of the sphere is metaphorically layered, as form follows content, so are the structural features of Alumni Environ. The circle was divided into 360 degrees by the Babylonians and then subdivided into six 60 degree segments each to embrace time itself and measure its passing. Alumni Environ’s intersecting and overlapping circles are divided into six segments, which include walkways, seating, tiered amphitheatres and light. Concentric circles also symbolize the stages of inner perfection and progressive harmonization of the spirit. Because the circle, which can also represent a sphere, is potentially without beginning or end, it is the most important and universal of all geometric symbols. As it is implicit in other symbols, including the wheel, disk, ring, clock, sun and moon, motion is implied. As individuals participate in this sculptural environment they circle, and are encircled by permanence and dynamism.
In sum, the symbol of the circle is archetypal, linking us to the totality of who we are. Symbolic meaning and function are combined in the use of the circle to calculate time, space, points of reference, ceremonies, and more. As a symbol of protection, progression, unity, and knowledge, the most striking example of a progressive concentric movement has to do with progression towards the discovery of the self, which is the axis of education.
Every element of the Alumni Environ is a layered piece as it shapes meaning for the University of Central Arkansas metaphorically and structurally.
Structural Features– Alumni Environ features include four layers of meaning, thereby four structural functions:
- The first layer of the concentric circular plane is composed of three intersecting walkways. The walkways form a dynamic pattern as they arc and radiate out from the centre or focal point of the intersection. Sited within the center they form a pattern of bisecting sine curves. Composed of three different colors of Arkansas brick, the varied colors add a dynamic sense of procession as one moves through the space. Because Arkansas has a long tradition of mixed masonry, especially in Faulkner County, Alumni Environ incorporates this tradition.
- The second layer (and the third) consolidates seating, as suggested by the symbolic properties of the circle’s signification of unity; unification through dialogue. Incorporated structurally into the center circle are circular benches. Running full circle these benches will be composed of glass block lighted from within to create an incandescent glow. The element of light continues in the fourth layer (see below). This lighted seating creates an area for student/community interaction, recreation, and sociability. These seats will be capped with polished red granite to compliment the various tonalities of the red tones in the brick.
- The third layer incorporates two amphitheatres that form complimentary angles and intersect the inner circle. Fabricated out of Arkansas brick, the tiered, angular projections compliment the circular continuum of the piece and extend the sense of volume. The seat tops will also be capped with polished red granite. It is highly suggested that the glass block be incorporated into the budget if possible. In this way the fourth element of light as seen in the glass block benches, would be complimentary and further the sense of circles of light.
- The fourth layer introduces circles of light as described in the second and third layer. Developed as a public space that functions but structurally and aesthetically the idea of a circular permutations of a planar pavilion is elaborated into incorporate two circles of light. As a symbol of time the circle signifies the rhythm of movement and change, and light is its element. To this end, thick perforated metal, this canopy will rise 12 ft. from the ground. At night the lighted canopy will create an evening glow and moiré patterning in the surround. The canopy provides shade during the day. Also, in the course of the day, a halo effect occurs as the natural light filters through the perforations, emulating the twofold symbolic aspect of light as it shades and embraces the world.
As a symbol of time the circle signifies the rhythm of movement and change, and light is its element. Multi-layered, Alumni Environ shapes meaning with a ripple effect. For some cultures the day-time, night-time and moon-time are circles above the world, year-time is a circle around the border of the world. Alumni Environ borders and centers the world of UCA in progressive concentric circles of light.
- Part of the project is to eliminate barriers and create accessibility. To this end the bushes around the existing Alumni Circle Plaza oval would be removed.
- Due to the existing walkways and bushes around the oval the flag is currently inaccessible. It will be moved, but will remain within the oval in its traditional location.
- As the Alumni Circle Plaza is not being used currently, the ultimate goal is to articulate the alumni plaza both functionally and aesthetically. As a circular ensemble, one goal, among many, is for the site-specific installation to echo The University of Central Arkansas’s geographical location at the center of the campus, and the state.
- Alumni Environ’s theme references the history and traditions of the University, its achievements, and its function as an interactive space– the Center of Learning–now and for the future. It is my hope that the multi-layered theme of Alumni Environ will involve the University and Conway community in the creative process as it shapes the language of meaning and highlights the centennial theme: New Vision, New Century.
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