THE SYMBOLISM OF SHINN PLAZA

  Various materials and finishes were selected for use in Shinn Plaza due to their obvious or implied symbolism.  The following information summarizes their intended meanings:

The Filigree Metal Dome

  Filigree

·  An intricate, delicate, or fanciful metal ornamentation symbolic of the potential complexities of philosophical discussion.

  Amaranth Leaves at Bottom of Dome

·   In Greek Mythology, an imaginary flower that never fades.

·   Seeds used in Aztec religious ceremonies.

· Any of various annuals of the genus Amaranthus, including several weeds (pigweed, tumbleweed), ornamentals (Love-Lies-Bleeding, Prince of Wales Feather), and food plants (grains) symbolic of the many potential uses of a single idea.

·  Native Plant.

  Carolina Yellow Jasmine Blossom Rosettes at Bottom of Amaranth Leaves

·   Symbolic of Philosophical Dichotomies by being a plant that is poisonous yet produces flowers of extraordinary fragrance and beauty.

·   Native Plant.

  Dogwood Branches with Flower-like Bracts at Center of Dome

·  The four leaflike white bracts are said to represent the four arms of the cross and the four reddish colored indentations at the end of the bracts are said to represent the blood and nail piercing that occurred during the crucifixion of Christ.

·   Any of several trees or shrubs of the genus Cornus.

·  Very dense wood used for “dogs” or “cogs” in spinning jennys representative of North Carolina culture.

·  Native Plant.

  Sunflower Rosettes at Top of Dogwood Branches

·   Flower heads point towards and follow the sun as it tracks across the sky symbolic of environmental sensitivity and our continuous daily involvement in the preservation of environmental quality.

·   Any of several plants of the genus Helianthus that produce edible seeds rich in oil that have been used by many cultures through the centuries.

·  Some Native species.

·   A wreath of laurel was conferred upon poets, heroes, and athletes as a mark of honor in ancient times.  Symbolic of honor and glory won for great achievement.

·   A Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) having aromatic simple leaves and blackish berries.  Source of bay leaves used in cooking.

·   Non-native.

  Hosta Leaves Under Pineapple  at Pinnacle of Dome.

·  A durable, long-lived, frequently fragrant, herbaceous perennial of the genus Hosta.   Symbolic of Dr. Shinn’s long tenure at UNCW.    

·  Native to China and Japan.

  Pineapple at Top of Dome.

·  A traditional southern symbol of welcome.

·  An edible tropical American plant of the genus Ananas used in a wide variety of food dishes around the world.  Symbolic of Dr. Shinn’s openness, wide appeal and popularity. 

·  Non-native.

  Pine Cones on the Edge of the Dome Sections.

·  Symbolic of the Longleaf Pines (Pinus palustris) found on the Campus and in the University Seal.  Representative of current and historic North Carolina culture.

·  Native Plant.

Doric Columns

  ·  The oldest and simplest of the three orders of classical Greek architecture.

·  Symbolic of the Doric dialect possibly spoken by some ancient Greek Philosophers.

Pavement Finishes

·   A rock salt finish was used on the entrance sidewalk to simulate coral rock found throughout the seas of the world.

·   An exposed oyster shell finish was used in the internal paved area of the gazebo as a reference to the seas of the world and local North Carolina culture.

  The sea symbolizes unity, discovery and the advancement of human knowledge by historically facilitating the transport of new ideas throughout the globe.

The Bronze Seal of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington: The University Seal is a reference to the long tenure and numerous contributions provided by Dr. Shinn to the State, local and UNCW community.

Stone Seating Areas: Circular seating arrangement around the raised gazebo floor symbolic of the relationship of teachers to their students.  Shinn Plaza and the seating area was designed for the use of the entire UNCW community and local community as an outdoor classroom, meeting place or seating area for individual repose and contemplation.

page design, Bo Dean, 2001

Special Thanks to the Following for making this dream come true!

 General Building Contractor

Roy Mathews

Roy Mathews, Inc.

298 Redd Banks Lane

Hampstead, NC  28443

Phone:  910.270.9346

Metal Work Contractor

Thomas Meyers

Eastern Metal Works, Inc.

6748 Market Street

Wilmington, NC  28405

Phone:  910.792.1851

Masonry Contractor

Mike Gray

Graystone of Wilmington, Inc.

215 Dixie Avenue

Wilmington, NC  28403

Phone:  910.392.2198

Concrete Contractor

Harlea Spicer

Spicer Concrete

1613 North 26^th Street

Wilmington, NC  28405

Phone:  910.762.8970

 Painting Contractor

Allen W. Craven

Craven Painting

6469 Gordon Road

Wilmington, NC  28411

Phone:  910.392.3389

Landscape Contractor

Terry Padgett

Padgett Landscapes

Maple Hill, NC

Mobile Phone:  910.520.4425

Electrical Contractor

Ed Watkins

E & R Electrical

609 Jennings Drive

Wilmington, NC  28403

Phone:  910.392.3340

Column Supplier

Torrie Dinyovszky

Chadsworth Columns

277 North Front Street

Wilmington, NC  28401-3907

Phone:  910.763.7600

  Stone Supplier

Nina Brown

Wilmington Stone Garden

6955 Market Street

Wilmington, NC  28411

Phone:  910.452.1619

 University Seal and Commemorative Plaque Supplier

4-Seasons Trophy Shop

221 South Kerr Avenue

Wilmington, NC  28403

Phone:  910.799.8840

Project Designers

Roman Kolodij, AIA – University Architect

Joe Bace, AIA – Facility Architect

John P. Ryder, ASLA – Arboretum Curator/Facility Landscape Architect

Project Facilitators

Timothy A. Jordan, VCBA

Kay Ward, AVCBA

Barbara S. Harlow, Office of the VCBA

Ed Davis, AVCBA for Facilities

Jane Bailey, Director of Facilities Administration

Joseph S. Hack, Director Physical Plant Administration

Robert A. Warren, Superintendent-Landscape Services