The plaza is largely symmetrical with rectangular pools placed on the northwest and southwest corners. The southern pool contains a bronze flagpole, the only deviation from the design's symmetry. The water level of the pools is just below the level of the plaza. There is a cluster of fountain jets at the center of either pool, which are not part of the original design for the pools. The pools measure wide by long and each contain of water which is recirculated every two-and-a-half hours. The initial plan had been to put abstract sculptures rather than pools, but this was abandoned when Mies could not find a sculptor who he felt was suited for the landscape. East of either pool are three planting beds with ivy and a gingko tree. These planting beds had contained weeping beeches before November 1959, when they were replaced with the gingko trees, which were hardier. The plaza contains a heating system to prevent ice buildup. Furthermore, forty pieces of green marble are used in the plaza area. At the building's completion, the plaza's surface required daily vacuuming with a sweeper.