Project
Kerry Murphy Healey Park
Babson College
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Celebrating their centennial year in 2019, Babson College commissioned the build of a new park and the restoration of the Babson Globe. Originally created by the school’s founder Roger Babson, the Globe measures 28 feet in diameter and weighed 25 tons. At its dedication, the Globe was the largest of its kind in the world and drew tens of thousands of visitors to campus each year. Unfortunately, the Globe fell into disrepair and was in poor condition before the 2018 renovations. A team of consultants and engineers worked to restore the Globe to its natural glory. With students from over 80 countries and alumni residing in more than 114 countries, the Babson Globe and the Foundation of Flags at Kerry Murphy Healey Park pay homage to Babson’s global community and the College’s commitment to educating entrepreneurs worldwide. Finegold Alexander Architects was proud to help bring this vision to life, placing the Globe and Foundation of Flags at the center of Kerry Murphy Healey Park designed by STIMSON landscape architects. The park also includes a flag walk, history markers, and seating areas throughout for students, faculty, and community members to engage in and be inspired by these worldly features.
(Photo credit: Raj Das Photography)
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Size
43,000 SF Park, 28’ diameter and 25 ton Globe
Scope
Restoration & Relocation
Program
Restoration and relocation of Globe; Installation of new water and electric connection; Flag relocation and installation; Installation of new 1500 square-foot bunker located 10 feet below ground surface to house the mechanics
Sustainability
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The iconic World Globe and associated Fountain of Flags pays homage to the college’s diverse student body and the school’s commitment to global impact as well as the internationalization and expansion of Babson through efforts including the Global Scholars Program, and Babson Connect: Worldwide.
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Construction of Kerry Murphy Healey Park included two transfers of the Babson Globe, a 25-ton plaster sphere. Crews originally moved the Globe from its original home to Trim parking lot, where it was stored while construction of its’ new foundation and bunker was taking place at the Park. Upon completion of the bunker, the Globe was transferred once again to Kerry Murphy Healey Park, where it now rotates proudly for all to see. Additionally, part of the project included the painting of the globe, pictures provided by Studio Fresh. As noted on their website, "Over the course of 2 months we [Studio Fresh] traced out our map, rendered the land masses and ocean features before labeling every country, major waterway and mountain range on the map." Find their video of the Globe's rotation time-lapsed, here!
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Finegold Alexander was tasked with managing and designing the project, requiring the coordinated relocating of the 25-ton, 28-foot sculpture along with the planning and design of the new Kerry Murphy Healey Park.
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