This work carries forward the University’s commitment to improve its exterior public spaces and reinforce the campus landscape’s symbolic and functional relationship with the predominant Georgian styled academic architecture.
Located in the historic heart of the campus the Alumni Circle can become the physical embodiment of the University’s hopes and aspirations for the future, a distillation and record of its accomplishments over the last 100 years, and, above all, a place that students, faculty and alumni will be drawn to on a day to day basis.
PROJECT SCOPE
The concept for the Alumni Circle argues for the transformation of the area into a place that responds to the practical needs of the university community. Its primary purpose is to provide areas that are sheltered from the sun and rain so that students and faculty may regularly use it as an outdoor classroom. Secondly, being near the Administrative centers of the University, it is hoped that its accommodating and historically detailed spaces will become an appropriate starting point for tours of the campus grounds. Thirdly, it will act as a spill-over area for ceremonies that customarily take place on the steps of Old Main. Fourthly, with its proximity to the library and anticipated coffee shop addition, it will be an obvious attraction for students seeking fresh air and informal space in which to congregate. Finally, with its accessible radial cross-axis pathways, it will quietly insert itself into the instinctive route-map of the campus; people will criss-cross it daily en route to class and make use of its “outdoor furniture and rooms” as naturally as they do with their own living rooms.
Collaboration with the various departments of the University is anticipated.
For instance, the Biology department may wish to advise on an appropriate planting scheme and the Science department may wish to assist in the choice of solar technology and an energy storage system.
The Alumni Association may choose to develop a timeline of historical milestones for the Alumni Circle Path, and the six colleges will likely be asked for input on their respective commemorative plaques.
The Echo paper and the Library research staff will be consulted for additional anecdotal stories and facts about campus life during the last 100 years.
The Crestomath monument stone could be relocated to the site as well as other artifacts pertinent to the University’s history.
The trees and grass area directly in front of Old Main could be paved in to accommodate larger groups of people and provide a place for a “Time Capsule”.
The Physical Plant will be consulted to ensure that the Pavilion lighting and general site lighting provides a safe and welcoming night environment.
The Pavilion tables will be equipped with electrical outlets for computers and other electronic devices so that the spaces may best facilitate academic functions.
Pavilion seating may be made permanent and handicap accessible. |
