High Point University's Arena entry and hardscape needed a remodel, so LKC Engineering, an Aberdeen, North Carolina, landscape architecture firm, and Fountain People, Inc., a design and manufacturing company headquartered in San Marcos, Texas, was tasked with developing a tiered fountain, with cascading water from the upper to lower basins, strategically positioned LED lights, a 20-foot bronze sculpture of a panther, and two smaller fountains flanking the central fountain. The sculpture was designed by artist Brian Keith in collaboration with LKC Engineering.

Project Overview
Found in front of the Qubein Arena and Conference Center in High Point, North Carolina, the university sought to create an inspiring centerpiece that resonates with fans while aligning with the university's values, as part of a $170 million redevelopment of the arena, conference center, and hotel.

Project Scope
The Qubein Arena's circular, tiered panther fountain has a diameter of approximately 38 feet. At the top of the fountain sits a six-inch-deep upper basin and an 18' diameter that houses the panther sculpture platform. Water flows down to the intermediate pool basin, which has a diameter of 21 feet. From there, the water cascades down a series of steps to the lower basin before being returned to an equipment vault for filtration and recirculation.

The panther design led the team to add a rock element to the fountain to create the effect of a panther standing on rocks with water flowing all around. Keith's unique 5,000-pound sculpture stands out among the many panthers represented on campus, as it is the athletic icon of the university.

 
The Equipment
The fountain's underground vault and control center is about 50 feet wide and houses all the necessary pumps, sand filters, UL-listed panels for lighting and fountain controls, and plumbing, which were fully engineered and pre-assembled, making it so that there is nothing in the base of the fountain. All the components, such as freestanding and flush mount lights, junction boxes, water-level sensors, skimmers, drains, and diverter plates, were specifically selected and integrated to ensure proper fountain functionality.

The Lighting
The LED fountain lighting system incorporates freestanding and niche lights that illuminate the basins. The lights were carefully selected for their functionality and ability to create captivating visual effects. The standard purple color reflects the university's school color, but the lights can be programmed to other variations throughout the year.
In the upper basin and intermediate pool, 16 freestanding light fixtures were added. Meanwhile, the lower basin features 16 stainless-steel, adjustable, niche light fixtures integrated into the wall to highlight the architecture. All the fixtures can be programmed and controlled, enabling dynamic light-changing displays during night-time operations or for special events.

Not One, but Three Fountains
In addition to the panther fountain, two additional circular fountains sit on either side in this large, hardscape area in front of the arena, resulting in what the design team affectionally called 'mickey-mouses ears.' Lou Sadler, LKC Engineering, was the primary designer of the two smaller precast concrete fountains which mimics classical French and Italian forms of tiered fountains, blending with the university's architecture and positioned to help with the flow of people and keep cars from getting too close to the auditorium for safety.

Each custom-made bowl has its own supply of water that is super-charged, so it looks like the water from the top makes its way to the bottom in a uniform manner.

Hardscape Plaza
The space is an active drop-off/valet area that is frequently used as an urban plaza before events in the arena. The hardscape of the plaza is made up entirely of concrete unit pavers, a style known as Belgium cobble that allows any shoe to walk on it, from stilettos to sneakers. They were chosen to maximize safety and because they are aesthetically pleasing like cobblestone, without the ankle twisting. Additionally, there are crash-rated bollard barricades that are positioned strategically near the fountains and are strong enough to prevent a runaway vehicle.
The approach to the plaza and the fountains is designed for what is known as 'progressive realization.' You can't see the panther fountain all at once. There are roundabouts and an elliptical lawn that slows the approach to the plaza and challenges the visual perspective from multiple viewpoints as you approach from the street. It's a negotiated centerpiece, meaning you need to negotiate the space and head toward the panther, providing both a visual and physical reward when you arrive.

Acting as unification within the campus environment, there are water features at every roundabout on campus.
Robert Hayter with LKC Engineering remarked that, "This team worked together. There were no egos or conflicts but rather we all worked collaboratively which was also very unique." The grand opening marked a new era at High Point University where students, fans, and visitors alike can enjoy the panther fountain while the design serves the community.

DESIGN TEAM:
High Point University: Client
LKC Engineering: Lou Sadler, Landscape Architect and Robert Hayter / Pfists Inc.: Installer
Smith & Jennings, Inc.: Contractor
Brian Keith Fine Art: Artist / Fountain People