 "Photo: Janette Stephenson")
The patio outside Carmichael Circle was in a state of disrepair, until bricks were recently laid. The original concrete patio was removed because it had started to fall apart.
The project cost Ball State University $40,000, including the cost of the materials used for building and landscaping. The patio is made of bricks, which match the building as closely as possible.
Michael Planton, associate director of landscape and environmental management, said it was hard for the bricks to be an exact match to the building because of the bricks aging.
Some of the bricks by the door have names of students, as well as some other people who left dedications to friends and relatives.
Planton said students came up with the idea of etching their names into the bricks. Originally it was primarily Honors College students, but soon other students became involved, he said.
The bricks with names are closer to the Carmichael Hall door. Plain bricks cover the area as students walk closer to the center of the circle.
Planton said the project had a slight increase in cost because of the etching, but it added a personal touch.
The project's cost also included benches and low voltage lighting, which are not yet set up.
Planton said low voltage lighting was less harsh than overhead lights.
When the original seating area was created in the 1960s it was made of concrete.
Planton said a design intern came up with the original design for the patio.
Ball State junior Bryon O'Conner said he thinks the bricks look good.
Be the first to comment on this article!