EnvironmentIntro
Severn Vale is a rapidly developing Secondary School near Gloucester.
Brief
To coincide with the re-opening of the school as a Specialist Technology College, the design team were asked to create a new reception area. This was to reflect the core values of the school and present the diversity of the education on offer.
Solution
Our solution was to convert a drab entrance into an exciting environment, working as a shop window to all the school’s users. The space was the main pupil entrance in addition to functioning as a visitor reception and temporary exhibition space. We used large format graphic panels, listing the five core values of the school and its commitment promise. Into this backdrop we mounted museum specification display cases to feature the student’s work. By creating a professional art gallery space, the children’s work was elevated – given a prominence of display and the high regard it deserved. News bulletins are displayed on an integrated monitor, contrasting with an instant message ‘good news’ wipe board – used to feature student stories such as school team goal-scorers or a recognised effort in any subject.
Outcome
This space is popular with those who use and experience it. Visitors have given very positive feedback to the staff – from envious Headteachers of other schools, to parents of potential pupils. Most importantly, the children of the school revere this as the place to have their work displayed. The art and sculpture is always a vibrant display and the staff are flooded by ‘good news’ stories from the pupils to get their names on display.
As a result of the success of this project, we have continued our relationship with the school, designing the interior and furniture scheme for their new Learning Resources Centre extension, which opens this year.