Academy of the Sacred Heart

The two campuses of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Rosary and Mater, function as one institution to educate young women from ages one through high school and are united by mission, vision, and tradition.

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The Mater Campus welcomes its youngest learners to a campus tailored to the needs of children with the capacity to welcome the entire school body in the Nims Fine Arts Center. The renovations elevate the Mater campus’ visual presence while strengthening the brand identity between the two campuses.

Analyzing the Academy's Brand Identity

Brand reinforcement was a driving concept behind the parti. Therefore, the project’s site, programs, thresholds, materials, and graphics were carefully considered while creating the vestibule and renovating the Nims Fine Arts Center.

Ultimately, we formed a brand that aligns with the school’s five pillars: community engagement, faith formation, operations, stewardship, and worship. Then, using the pillars as a guide, our team mapped the brand elements and where they might be most concentrated.

Design features connect the Rosary Campus’ identity to the Mater Campus while providing improved curb appeal, security, and opportunities for outdoor learning. A bronze statue of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne of the Sacred Heart sits stoically in the courtyard. Integrated lighting and seating encourage moments of solace and engagement around the figure. In addition, the courtyard utilizes a timeline to trace the Academy’s history and the entry vestibule visually connects to the courtyard, linking the brand with the century-old school’s pedigree.

Nims Fine Arts Center

The Nims Fine Arts Center renovation comprises modernized materials, furniture, fixtures, and an open floorplan that unites the landscapes on either side of the building. Sightlines between the two yards promote the venue’s multipurpose nature and produce a more significant connection between the two campus’ locations.

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