Divine Nine Plaza
Divine Nine Plaza
UW Madison
Madison, WI
UW Madison
Madison, WI
The Divine Nine are nine black fraternities and sororities, all belonging to the National Pan-Hellenic Council. These organizations have incredible histories and influence on young lives, yet collectively, they were some of the only Greek organizations on UW Madison's campus without a physical space to call their own.
With leadership by student members of the NPHC and collaboration with Student Affairs, Facilities Planning and Management, NPHC alumni, and the Wisconsin Alumni Assocation, the Divine Nine Garden Plaza brings recognition and visibility through the symbolic stand of nine monuments. All equal and standing together, each monument's detailing captures the rich history and symbology of the organization it represents. Now, prominently centered in campus, the Divine Nine have a place for gathering, recruitment, and celebration.
This project was designed under tenure of SmithGroup with concept design by Aaron Gibbs. Constructed by Bachmann Construction with monument fabrication by Michael's Signs. Photography by Shane Bernau.
The Divine Nine are nine black fraternities and sororities, all belonging to the National Pan-Hellenic Council. These organizations have incredible histories and influence on young lives, yet collectively, they were some of the only Greek organizations on UW Madison's campus without a physical space to call their own.
With leadership by student members of the NPHC and collaboration with Student Affairs, Facilities Planning and Management, NPHC alumni, and the Wisconsin Alumni Assocation, the Divine Nine Garden Plaza brings recognition and visibility through the symbolic stand of nine monuments. All equal and standing together, each monument's detailing captures the rich history and symbology of the organization it represents. Now, prominently centered in campus, the Divine Nine have a place for gathering, recruitment, and celebration.
This project was designed under tenure of SmithGroup with concept design by Aaron Gibbs. Constructed by Bachmann Construction with monument fabrication by Michael's Signs. Photography by Shane Bernau.
Design Concept
Design Concept
Through early design exploration, student leadership guided the design to the best and final configuration: Nine monuments, each of weathering steel and stainless steel apertures focus on a center platform in a symbolic organization of strength, permanence, and unity. In the evening, light passes through each portal, radiating beyond and reflecting off the names of each organizations' founding members.
Through early design exploration, student leadership guided the design to the best and final configuration: Nine monuments, each of weathering steel and stainless steel apertures focus on a center platform in a symbolic organization of strength, permanence, and unity. In the evening, light passes through each portal, radiating beyond and reflecting off the names of each organizations' founding members.
