Igniting The Future | Ember Hall Sparks Unique Donor Recognition Experience by ZEBRADOG
Read Time: 2 Minutes
Throughout its history, the School of Human Ecology (SOHE) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been on the leading edge of work that improves the lives of children, families, consumers, and communities. Ember Hall is SOHE’s new donor recognition experience created by Experiential Design Firm ZEBRADOGwhich honors the community of donors in deep gratitude and celebration of what we can accomplish to improve human well-being. This beautifully designed installation recognizes those who embody the spirit of SOHE’s mission.
“The growth of SOHE would not have been possible without our donor support. Our partnership with ZEBRADOG isn’t just about creating donor space but helps us inspire donors to understand our purpose and mission to realize our vision.” Soyeon Shim | Dean, UW-Madison SOHE
Ember Hall is a sacred shared space that honors philanthropic gifts of over $100k from individuals, families, foundations, and corporations celebrating the power of philanthropy. It anchors a recent renovation to act as a portal to a café lounge and collaboration/innovation lab. This high-traffic location is the center of social interaction, idea exchange, and the mingling of students and faculty across SOHE’s study disciplines and programs.
Ember Hall gently pulses with color-shifting lighting. Its warmth welcomes participation. The space is adorned from floor to ceiling with intricate patterning carved into wood tiles. Floating within this blanket of pattern are the illuminated names of donors. This one-of-a-kind display offers 650 tiles giving fundraisers ample space to honor donors over time.
Every year tiles are removed to bring more light into the space. The tiles, themselves art objects, are reimagined as gifts to individual donors as enduring tokens of gratitude and connection to the school.
“Donors have shared they could never have dreamed their gift would be recognized in this special way.” Claire Mezick | Senior Director of Development, UW-Madison Wisconsin SOHE Foundation and Alumni Association
Video link: https://youtu.be/c2VyqbfcCHM
Learn more: https://www.zebradog.com/work/project/5/sohe-university-wisconsin-madison-donor-branding-integration
About ZEBRADOG: Experiential Design Firm ZEBRADOG elevates brands in built environments through experiential design, digital media, and visual communications for higher education, healthcare, and corporations.