Tower Garden Tribute

The University of Texas at Austin

McKinney York was commissioned to study the feasibility of constructing a tribute element into the Tower Garden to help raise funds via an innovative, web-based gifting plan for "virtual tributes." The Tower Garden Tribute is an unusual garden intervention that is located in the shadows of the University of Texas at Austin's Main Building. Directly across from the Tower, the Garden is both a symbolic and sentimental place. The program consists of a peaceful and contemplative water element combined with high-tech computer stations that display tributes; these "virtual tributes" are similar to plaques and pavers one might see at an alumni center. The element is constructed with glass tile, flagstone paving, limestone walls, and highly detailed steel work.