Bringing Values to Life with the Artistic Transformation of a School Environment
Design for Education was commissioned by Costello School to design and deliver school wall displays. The goal? To promote the school’s vision and values to students and visitors more effectively, and simultaneously enhance the school’s branding. This case study describes our approach and the collaborative effort leveraged that led to a successful project outcome.
Setting the Scene: The Unique Vision of Costello School
The Costello School in Basingstoke is an integral part of its local community and a beacon of inspiration and innovation for children of high school age.
With its ethos of Enjoy, respect, achieve,’ the school is a crucible for nurturing ‘game-changers’. When you step through the main entrance, you immediately get the feeling that this is more than just a school: it’s a vibrant ecosystem where young minds are sculpted into future leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
Collaborative Efforts: Working with the School to Visualise Ideas
As our designers and artists collaborated with school staff and teachers, we explored a plethora of ideas and visions. Crafting wall murals that speak volumes without saying a word is an art that requires weaving the fabric of a school’s ethos into tangible forms that captivate and engage those who walk past them.
It was clear that Costello School’s houses, named after five illustrious figures, form the backbone of the school’s identity. By encapsulating the lives and achievements of these luminaries in colourful and dramatic wall art, they become more than decoration. The concept takes on a format that lives as a catalyst for inspiration, conversation, and education.
Encapsulating Identity Icons
In the design of each wall display, it was crucial to ensure we included specific elements. For example, each house has a colour – these would provide the base colour for each display. Of course, it was also critical that we designed displays that breathed life into each icon.
Further, we needed to consider a timeline for each icon – visual proof that achievement can begin at any age and be maintained throughout life.
Finally, it was important to include quotes attributable to each icon, helping viewers to ‘hear’ the underlying values and purpose that motivated each to the successes they realised.
Here’s a closer look at how we designed these murals to include such crucial elements:
● David Attenborough – A Journey into the Wild
The Attenborough mural, a vivid tableau, transports viewers into a world of wilderness and wonder. It’s a visual odyssey that captures the essence of his explorations and his unwavering commitment to our planet and its preservation for future generations.
● Rosa Parks – Portraying Courage and Determination
Rosa Parks’ mural is a powerful testament to her resolve and bravery. Her stoic expression against a backdrop of the Montgomery bus boycott not only decorates the wall, but also instils a sense of purpose and conviction in every onlooker. It’s a ‘never-say-die’ attitude that builds on the building blocks of diversity and inclusiveness that are essential pillars of a more tolerant and non-discriminating society.
● Muhammad Ali – Float Like a Butterfly
Ali’s mural is dynamic and pulsating with life. It’s a symphony of colour and movement that embodies his charisma and the sheer force of his personality. This mural doesn’t just depict Ali; it echoes his philosophy of life – play fair, and fight hard for what you believe.
● Alan Turing – Decoding an Enigma
Turing’s mural includes an intricate interplay of patterns and symbols, a fitting tribute to a man who deciphered the indecipherable. It invites viewers to delve deeper into the story of this extraordinary mathematician and codebreaker, to discover how he overcame biases and differences to change the world in which we live.
● Jane Austen – An Artistic Trailblazer
The Jane Austen mural, resplendent in its outdoor setting, needed a material as enduring as her legacy. Dibond, with its robust and weather-resistant qualities, was the perfect choice. This mural, like her novels, stands the test of time and elements.
Sketch to Reality: The Artistic Journey of Each Mural
From the initial sketches to the final composition, each mural’s journey was a meticulous process. It was a dance of creativity, with each step carefully choreographed to ensure that the final product resonated with the intended message and emotion.
Why Dibond for Jane Austen?
Dibond, known for its durability and adaptability, was the chosen canvas for Jane Austen’s mural. This material guaranteed that the mural would not just survive but thrive in the outdoor environment, mirroring the timeless nature of Austen’s works.
Inside the School: Selecting Materials for Interior Murals
For the interior murals, each mural required a different approach. We use different approaches to the artwork depending on a range of factors such as lighting, wall texture, and foot traffic.
The goal? To create wall displays that provide the maximum visual impact while simultaneously benefitting from longevity.
Overcoming Obstacles: Weather, Space, and Time Constraints
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Weather vagaries, spatial limitations, and timelines posed significant challenges. But these obstacles only fuelled the determination to create something extraordinary.
Consequently, it was imperative that we ensured every element of design, delivery, and installation were conducted in perfect harmony. The result is a testament to precision, teamwork, and our team’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
Reflecting on the Completed Project
As we step back and view these murals in their completed glory, it’s clear that Costello School has been transformed. Not just in appearance, but in the conveyance of its spirit, values, and vision.
The displays have become a source of pride and subconscious reflection, breathing life into the ethos of the school. They spark conversations, ignite curiosity, and encourage students to explore the lives and legacies of these icons. Just like these icons, the wall displays will stand as a constant reminder of what it means to be a ‘game-changer’, inspiring Costello’s students today and in the future.
To learn more about our collaborative approach to school wall display design, and how they could enhance student engagement in your school’s vison, values, and mission, contact Design for Education.
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