Architect/designer William T. Proudfoot chose to incorporate the ancient symbols of the zodiac into the north entry floor — classic Greek/Roman mythology for a classic-Greek/Roman-style building.
In the 20s, the zodiac was not as well known as it is now. Proudfoot planned for intentional wearing away of the bronze forms by placing them above the surface of the floor – to be sculpted further by building users until, eventually, they would be the same level as the floor.
We know that by 1929, students had decided that if you stepped on the zodiac, it was unlucky – that you’d flunk your next test. Rumor has it that the students created this “curse” because they liked the raised effect of the zodiac and they wanted to preserve the zodiac signs even though it went against what the architect originally intended. Now most students, hedging their bets, walk around. If you accidently invoke the curse, you can throw a coin in the fountain to take it away!
Corrado Parducci is mostly referred to as an architectural sculptor, however, I think a proper title would simply be designer. These days, he would probably best be known as an Industrial Designer, with having designed countless commissions of architectural sculpture, interior plaster work and bronze work. Additionally, he designed hub caps for Budd Wheel, and bumper designs for Hudson Motor Car Company. In his personal time, he sculpted busts of Greek and Roman figures from antiquity, painted intricate patterns on the walls of his home and even wove tapestries.