Niagara Murano was selected as the carillon project’s architectural firm for the $6.5-million project, which consists of a 151-foot high 49 bell carillon and clock tower, performance water feature and landscaped plaza.
The vast landscaped plaza stretches nearly 300 feet by 300 feet and is nestled between the Oakland Center, O’Dowd Hall and Kresge Library. The main elements of the carillon project are the 49-bell carillon tower and plinth with a 4-sided clock at the top, a plaza with hardscape, seating, landscaping, lighting and an internally lit computerized water feature. Each of the 4 grand archways reaches 24-feet high and allows students to pass through and meet under the vaulted ceiling of the tower. A custom pendant light hangs inside the archways, brilliantly illuminating the tower plinth and beckoning one in. The water feature is designed to create a sense of inspiration and delight, with a hint of drama incorporated through a variety of computer choreographed water dances that are intended to invite interaction with the students. Atop the tower is a 26-foot high octagonal pyramid top made of crystal titanium created to withstand time, the elements and to proudly display the gold school color of Oakland University.