Shared Secure Entrance Lobby

The key strategy of renovating an existing urban school is to convey the quality and safety of the school through design. The challenge was to create a secure shared entrance that is both safe and inviting. Sherman Park Lutheran School transformed a tired unwelcoming facility built in 1959 into a vibrant example of the promise of public choice schools.


The main entrance to the school is through a narrow shared lobby that serves the school and gymnasium. The gymnasium is used for afterschool athletic programs and teen youth groups meet in its' basement. The integrated use of design and technology such as intercoms, cameras, electric strikes and card access door hardware evokes a good first impression for prospective parents, that effectively communicates safe quality education to potential school "consumers".


A unified visual design was created to make the experience within the learning environment consistent and reassuring to students, parents and staff. The lobby's design initiates a sequence through the school by establishing a set of consistent way-finding strategies. The color palette introduced on the lobby floor, wood laminate soffit and signage are used throughout the renovation and draw users through the stair to the main office. Color accented design elements above classroom entrances and room signage organize a consistent message of the standard of care given to the students.


A sense of trust is developed capturing the attitude and outreach of the church. Beginning in the entrance lobby and continuing throughout the school; visitors receive visual reinforcement about the facility, its mission and core values. The design is further enhanced by inspirational quotes that line the corridors, images of students with school values line the entrance lobby and everyone that enters the facility is greeted with the values and core mission on custom wall signage.