Multimedia clock tower grabs attention in Sonic Plaza

In October 1997, $30 million in renovation artwork was presented to ECU.

Many students wonder why the university would spend that much on art or what could possibly cost the university $30 million. Two words: Sonic Plaza.

The 300-foot Sonic Plaza was commissioned by the state under the Artwork for State Buildings program.

The state's plan was to place more art in public places for the enjoyment of children, parents, students and faculty.

Artist Christopher Janney designed the multimillion-dollar establishment for development in the early 1990s.

"This will make a good example of public space that is lively and interesting and ever changing. There won't be another piece like this anywhere in the world," said Janney to the university while the project was under construction.

The centerpiece of the plaza is an 85-foot multimedia clock tower or "Media Glockenspeil" that has four different performances throughout the day.

At sunrise, a rooster appears out of the 3-foot doors on the base of the clock. Crowing sounds play and 12, 20-inch TV monitors display wide ranges of color and designs.

At noon, brass horns are displayed through the doors and sounds of music by brass horns fill the surrounding area.

"I think the horns are the only display I have ever seen. I honestly didn't know there was more than one show that came from the clock tower," said student Wendy Baker. "I think it is probably the one most students see because it's at noon. No one is by the library at sunrise and sunset, let alone at midnight."

As sunset approaches, a cannon figurine is displayed through the clock doors and cannon blasts echo while smoke is freed to replicate the blasts.

At midnight, a joker appears with an evil laugh, muttering in the midst of his laughter, "time is futile."

Many students feel that because the joker looks and sounds so dreadful, that it is bad luck to be around the clock tower when the joker is displayed.

"It's one of those things that you really want to see, although you know it's bad, but you just can't look away," said senior Chris Smith.

In March of 2001, the clock tower was dedicated to Fred Langford and Verona Joyner-Langford.

Joyner-Langford was an ECU alumna who passed away in 2000. She and her husband, a former teacher, donated roughly $8 million to the university. Some of the endowment was then given to Joyner Library, and used to renovate and reconstruct.

Sonic Plaza is also home to three more pieces of public art, which were also a part of the $30 million project: a ground cloud, water wall and the sonic gates.

The water wall can be found 10-feet adjacent to the clock tower, yet it is rarely on because of the mold and other problems it creates.

"The water wall was turned on last year but has yet to be on this year," said student Caitlyn White. "I really hope that the university turns it on again this year."

The ground cloud can only be turned on when weather permits because cold/freezing temperatures can cause the pipes to freeze and break. Slick sidewalks and walkways are also a problem when the ground cloud is turned on.

At the north side of Sonic Plaza are the Sonic Gates -- a group of four musical columns. As students walk in and out of the columns, sounds of a xylophone mimic their every step.

"Even though ECU and the state of North Carolina spent $30 million on the plaza, I think it was well worth it. It makes ECU, ECU," said alumnus Jason Keith.

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.