Grinnell College Receives Prestigious Society for College and University Planning Awards for Two Campus Projects
Grinnell College is proud to have a reputation as a hub of innovative design and construction. Two prestigious awards from the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), a merit award and an honorable mention, were recently bestowed upon the college for its outstanding work on the Kington/Christiansen outdoor gathering and learning areas and the Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC) building.
Kington Plaza, an inviting and vibrant space, has become a beacon of pride for Grinnell College. A popular outdoor gathering spot on campus, it bears the name of the College’s 13th president, Raynard S. Kington, in recognition of his transformational leadership during his decade-long tenure as president. The plaza was made possible by gifts from Karen Van Dusen ’77 and Joel Spiegel ’78. The Ken Christiansen Learning Grove was named in memory of Professor Ken Christiansen and made possible through the gratitude of the generosity of Steve Ginzbarg ’76.
The HSSC not only stands as a testament to the college’s commitment to education and research, but also highlights the collaborative spirit within the community. HSSC brings non–fine arts humanities and social studies departments together in one building to create innovative learning spaces that encourage multidisciplinary collaboration, active inquiry, student research, and “intellectual collisions.” This forward-thinking design encompasses 39 technology-rich classrooms and inquiry labs, as well as 145 faculty offices and dedicated research spaces, all strategically grouped into five interdisciplinary neighborhoods.
The sculpture Broken English, crafted by Gregory Gómez ’80, was given to Grinnell College by John B. Chambers ’77 in memory of his wife, Jean Marie Chambers. Found in Kington Plaza, Broken English is a 20-foot diameter broken circle made up of welded stainless-steel rods and sand-cast bronze letters with patina. When read vertically around the circumference, the letters repeat the first few lines of Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming,” adding an artistic touch to the academic environment.
These awards from SCUP serve as a reminder of Grinnell College’s ongoing commitment to excellence in design and construction, reflecting its dedication to creating spaces that inspire learning, collaboration, and innovation. The college continues to lead in shaping the future of educational spaces, setting a high standard for universities and colleges across the nation. To view a complete list of award recipients for the 2023 SCUP Excellence Awards, visit the SCUP website.