The Fowler House was conceived not only as a residence for a Chancellor and family, but also a home for a University…It had to be a symbol equal to the rich history and reputation of this University. It had to be comfortable, welcoming, and timeless.
This new Garden and Conservatory, as well as the house, celebrate community. The architecture is based on Early American Neoclassical homes, which were deeply rooted in the geography similar to Fayetteville. Those classic, early American homes were based on European homes designed for entertaining and welcoming guests, which is perfect for a Facility like this.
The Conservatory is conceived as an open, light filled pavilion that opens to not only the garden and grounds, but to the University. Its vaulted ceiling is capped with clerestory windows that will naturally light the space, while porticos on each side not only reference the house and this idea of welcome, but also provide shelter for functional greeting stations and help shade the interior spaces. The house and Conservatory frame the Garden, which will have a large entertainment plaza where a tent can be placed, effectively tripling the size of events that can occur. That space’s focus is toward the campus and the hills. Exterior spaces are designed to be just as important as the interior spaces, just like outdoor rooms. Our design team, along with the University, want visitors that experience the Fowler Conservatory and Garden to leave feeling like they have been welcomed into the home of the University.
