Jennifer Mahon

​Challenge

The learning environment at Success Academy High School needed to be transformed in order to better support students' needs for both individual focus and group collaboration. The existing spaces felt uninspiring and lacked flexibility, making it difficult for students to engage in focused study or creative teamwork. My goal was to redesign these areas to foster a sense of belonging, provide more functional seating arrangements, and create an atmosphere that encouraged both concentration and collaboration.

Solution

The re-designed space incorporates imagery from prestigious universities, cultivating a sense of academic excellence and ambition. To maximize the feeling of openness, a trompe l'œil effect is used, creating the illusion of more space and a sense of expansiveness. High-quality seating was strategically placed to provide comfort and functionality, making the space both welcoming and conducive to focused study. This combination of strategic design elements transformed the space into one that was not only practical but also stimulating, fostering a more engaging and motivating atmosphere for students.

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