Bluestone
Elementary School
With a focus on welcoming the diverse student body of Harrisonburg to Bluestone Elementary School, the themed wayfinding graphics celebrate the unique local environment while connecting geological similarities to global landscapes.
Client
Harrisonburg City Public Schools
Architect
VMDO Architects
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Scope
Wayfinding, Signage, Environmental Graphics
Celebrating Diversity
Harrisonburg City Public Schools is one of the most diverse school systems in Virginia representing over 60 different countries and speaking over 50 different languages. Bluestone Elementary School’s design embraces cultural diversity while highlighting the relationship between the city and its global context. These design elements help students relate to their larger world while feeling part of their community and landscape.
Storytelling Narrative
The design team used the unique local landscape of Harrisonburg, nestled in the valley adjacent to Shenandoah National Park, as a narrative for the wayfinding system.
Connections to Local Geology
Moving through Bluestone mimics exploring a park for students. The three floors are themed Caverns, Valley, and Mountains after the geology of the area and construction of the building. Each academic wing is a different trail with each classroom representing a different local species.
Creating Local to Global Connections
Shared spaces feature graphics connecting the similarities of Harrisonburg’s local sites to unique landscapes across the world highlighting the beauty of global diversity for the students.
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