Fountain's new addition earns ridicule, criticism by students

By Kurt Esposito
Assistant Campus Editor

Jenny Gogel said it was ridiculous.

Jerry Budd said it was dumb.

Keely Gladieux said, "I just think that it takes away from the purpose of the fountain."

These were some of the comments students had Thursday morning after seeing the Class of 1939 Water Sculpture turned back on after almost a year's wait. But the fountain has changed since it was last on — a large steel cylinder now stands in the middle.

"I think it doesn't look right. It's not the fountain. It's ugly. Why are they even running it?" said Misty Lawson, a freshman in the School of Liberal Arts.

John Collier, Purdue University landscape architect, said, "I think it looks fine. I was pleased."

He said the cylinder keeps people safe and away from the water jets, while still letting them interact with the fountain.

Workers installed the steel cylinder at 6:30 a.m. Thursday; students saw the cylinder for the first time as they walked to their morning classes.

Gladieux, a junior in the School of Liberal Arts, said the cylinder was too big, but "It’s better than fences. I'll give them that."

Gogel, a sophomore in the School of Liberal Arts, thought the cylinder looked ridiculous. However, she said, she was happy to see the fountain back on, "but it's not the same."

The cylinder cost the University $10,000, which included costs of fabrication, polishing, installation and labor.

The decision to install the cylinder came after University officials' concern over the number of emergency-room trips caused by the water sculpture's water jets, which shoot from the ground up. In April, the administration announced plans to place fences around the University's two main fountains in order to maintain safety.

The proposal would have placed fences around the water sculpture — located in front of the Hovde Hall of Administration in the Purdue Mall, and the Loeb Fountain — located outside the Liberal Arts and Education Building in Founders Park.

Following criticism from students, faculty, staff and alumni, the University decided to put off the erection of the fences until an advisory committee could evaluate what the best solution would be for the fountains. In June, it recommended the installation of the cylinder; the plan was eventually approved by the administration because it answered the safety and aesthetic concerns surrounding the sculpture. It's based on an idea by the fountain's designer, Robert Youngman.

Budd, a senior in the School of Technology, said he liked the cylinder. He said it was better than the proposed fences. However, he said it ruins the effect of the fountain. "It used to be better."

Michael Keller, a freshman in the Schools of Engineering, said the metal cylinder clashes with the artistic concrete sculpture.

The cylinder stands 10 feet six inches tall. It is covered with a mirror-finish polish that is intended to reflect the surrounding areas of the Purdue Mall. Lawson said she did not notice a reflection, however, Budd said he thought the mirror finish was the best part of the cylinder.

Water shoots from the top of the cylinder. Collier, a member of the advisory committee, said the level of the water will always remain above the top of the cylinder and extend as far as the top of the sculpture.

Keller said he was disappointed by the administration's decision to alter the fountains because of something that should be the responsibility of the parents of children who play in the fountain.

• Collier said the fountain advisory committee should make a recommendation for the Loeb Fountain as early as next week. University officials have stated earlier that the Loeb fountain will not be back on until the spring.

University offers reward for information on bomb threats

Professors discuss terrorism

Study abroad students worry about security

Community hopes to help, joins in Red Cross effort

Fountain's new addition earns ridicule, criticism by students

Co-Rec extended hours

CAMPUS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 253

Campus editor: Laura Pelner

Assistant campus editors: Kurt Esposito, Dave Stephens

To send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org