Furman University Benefactors Green

Furman University Benefactors Green Greenville, South Carolina

Role

Landscape Architecture

People Involved

Darren Meyer, Haoting Shi, John Woods

Typology

Campus Planning and Design, Commemorative Donor Space

Project Timeline

2022-2023

Collaborators

Burdette Engineering, Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture

A sprawling green at the heart of campus to honor lifetime donors

Furman University sought to create a meaningful way to honor its lifetime donors while strengthening connections with students throughout their time on campus. As the University’s development strategy evolved to place greater emphasis on engaging students while they are enrolled and active in campus life, MKSK helped to design Benefactors Green, a new donor plaza in the heart of campus.

Situated adjacent to the main library, the plaza benefits from high visibility and significant foot traffic, placing the story of lifetime giving and its relationship to Furman within the daily campus experience.

 

"Our goal was to create a landscape that feels as though it has always belonged at Furman. The quiet voice of the design allows the beneficence of the donors, the idyllic atmosphere of the campus, and the daily life of students to become the defining experience of the space."

- Darren Meyer, ASLA, PLA, Principal Landscape Architect, MKSK

 
 

A key design challenge was creating a system that could recognize lifetime donors while accommodating changes in their level of giving over time. To address this, MKSK introduced a series of ornaments inspired by the flower of the dogwood tree. These elements can be added to each donor’s name plaque over time, symbolizing the growth of their philanthropic relationship with the University.

For the commemorative pillars, MKSK explored a range of approaches with the client, drawing inspiration from peer institutions and considering different ways to recognize the contributions of individuals, families, and organizations.

 
 

One of Furman’s defining strengths is its unique commitment to landscape quality. The plaza pillars were designed to complement the mature oak, magnolia, and dogwood trees that frame the common space adjacent to the Duke Library.

Organic forms, a carefully composed arrangement and orientation of the columns, patinated bronze materials, and sensitive site grading work together to integrate these architectural elements into the surrounding landscape, creating a cohesive and enduring expression of Furman’s philanthropic legacy.