the west rotunda courtyard

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Like the Rotunda, the landscape surrounding this National Historic Landmark must be restored in a way that invites students, faculty and visitors to use these beautiful spaces. Already a heavily used space by students and visitors to Grounds, once fully restored, the West Courtyard, also named Shannon Courtyard for UVA President Edgar Shannon, will serve as an inviting outdoor classroom and inspirational space for social settings, study and ceremonies. Laurie Olin, one of the most acclaimed landscape architects and winner of the Thomas Jefferson Medal in Architecture, personally designed the garden landscape for the courtyard to be unified with Jefferson’s overall vision for the Academical Village.

While the Rotunda was re-opened in the Fall of 2016, the West Courtyard represents the final piece of the unfinished landscape, and therefore, unfinished restoration of the Rotunda. With the commitment and leadership of Kappa Kappa Gamma’s Epsilon Sigma Chapter, the University will be able to fully realize all design elements of the renovation and fulfill Mr. Jefferson’s intended use for this iconic space.

 

planned courtyard renovations

• Design and construction of a fountain at the center of the courtyard
• Cohesive landscaping around the courtyard
• Visible recognition of Kappa Kappa Gamma’s generosity and partnership