Princeton posed a difficult problem: Create a “marker” to celebrate President Woodrow Wilson that deals effectively with both his positive and negative qualities. The University’s ambivalence is antithetical to the time-honored tradition of unequivocally revering leaders.
The site is a plaza in front of the Wilson School of Government building, designed by Monoru Yamasaki. A large sculpture in the fountain was existing; Princeton stipulated that the fountain, the sculpture and all existing trees were to remain.