nc school of science and mathematics - morganton monument sign
Client: NCSSM-Morganton, UNC System
The new monument sign for the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) at its Morganton campus serves as both a visual gateway and a symbolic representation of the institution’s mission, history, and dual-campus identity. The design was led by our firm to honor and articulate the educational legacy, core values, and statewide reach of NCSSM through integrated architecture and public art.
Design Concept and Inspiration
At the heart of the design is the “Catalyst” logo, which symbolizes the NCSSM community’s dynamism and unity. The star-like forms represent the Durham and Morganton campuses, while the central orange circle stands for the common core values that connect both campuses academically and culturally. This powerful graphic language informed the sculptural element of the monument, visually translating NCSSM’s identity as “One School, Two Campuses.”
Further inspiration was drawn from the work of North Carolina artist Matt McConnell and his studio, whose sculptural explorations of overlapping lines and kinetic moiré patterns reflect the theme of movement, energy, and discovery. The layered structure of the monument’s stainless steel sculpture evokes the scientific and educational exchange occurring between Morganton and Durham — a visual metaphor for the physical and virtual connections that unite the student body.
Site Context and Materiality
The monument is sited at the main entrance drive off Burkemont Avenue, where it serves as a prominent welcome to visitors and students. Its location offers a direct visual alignment with the historic cattle barn that anchors the southern end of campus. This barn, with its iconic red brick and rhythmic proportions, strongly influenced the monument’s base: an articulated stack-bond brick wall crafted to echo the barn’s textured materiality and horizontal rhythm.
The monument’s sculptural top element, fabricated in stainless steel, hovers above the brick base. It features a series of star forms nested in an overlapping field, reflecting the “Catalyst” structure and casting dynamic shadows that shift with time and light — a literal and figurative embodiment of NCSSM’s transformative mission.
Architectural and Educational Legacy
This project is rooted in the visionary legacy of NCSSM’s founders — Governor James B. Hunt Jr., Senator Terry Sanford, and author John Ehle — who imagined an institution that would harness North Carolina’s brightest minds to lead the state forward. Since its founding in 1980 as the first public, residential science and mathematics high school of its kind in the U.S., NCSSM has become a model for excellence in STEM education, inspiring the creation of 18 similar schools across the globe.
The Morganton campus, nestled in the foothills of western North Carolina, now serves as a living-learning community for 300 students each year. The monument sign, with its visual strength and symbolic depth, stands as a testament to NCSSM’s statewide impact, academic rigor, and commitment to connecting students across regions through innovation and shared purpose.
Design Elements Summary
Sculpture: McConnell Studios–inspired overlapping steel framework with Catalyst star motifs.
Brick Base: Custom stack-bond red brick with dimensional articulation matching the historic cattle barn.
Lettering: Water-jet cut stainless steel address and school name on stand-offs.
Lighting: Integrated to highlight sculpture and cast dramatic patterns for day and night presence.
