Blackstone Valley Prep High School

Cumberland, Rhode Island

Firm

Arrowstreet

Client

Civic Builders Inc.

Area

40,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$10,000,000

Completion Date

11/2017

Arrowstreet’s design for Blackstone Valley Prep High School is generated from the organizational placement of four key programs: a classroom wing, cafeteria, gymnasium, and outdoor academic courtyard. The design also delivers a dedicated maker space and robotics lab for students, a full-size gymnasium, a pre-collegiate environment with social breakout and collaboration spaces, and an open media commons.
Turning to the school’s own culture for inspiration, designers developed a series of environmental graphics that complement and enhance the architecture. The overall concept features P.R.I.D.E. (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Enthusiasm)—the school’s core set of principles. Oversized letters on colorful accent walls are paired with quotes chosen by members of the school community. Each letter is set in a different typeface to represent Blackstone Valley Prep’s diverse community of people and ideas. The graphics are placed throughout the school to inspire and encourage staff and scholars.
At the entrance, the school’s mission statement is surrounded by individual photos of each of the scholars, designed to emphasize the important role they play as the centerpiece of the community.