District 214 | Cushing

Project Overview

Township District 214 Campus

After completing an interior renovation in the administration wing of the building originally built in 1962, the interior aesthetic of Township High School District 214 was modern and functional, but the space was still in need of its own unique branded identity. The campus, being repurposed from a former community college and community center, still operates as the Forest View Education Center, as well as housing the administrative arm of all of District 214.

The facility serves a unique role within the district: part administrative headquarters, part active school environment. While the architecture and furnishings were newly updated, the building still felt neutral and disconnected from the vibrant learning community it represents.

Through a partnership with architecture firm ARCON Associates, Cushing was brought in to transform the space into a branded environment that reflects district values while enhancing the workplace experience for staff and the daily experience of students.

Architect:

Arcon Associates Inc.

End User:

Township High School District 214

Scope:

UNDERSTANDING THE SPACE

Cushing’s approach began with a comprehensive discovery process rooted in Human-Centered Design.

The team evaluated:

Detailed floor plans and architectural documentation
Multiple site visits to observe real traffic flow
The district’s brand guidelines and identity system
Individual branding for each school within the district
The newly finalized district strategic values and mission statements

This research revealed several key opportunities.

EARLY DISCOVERIES

Key Insight #1: High-Traffic Corridors Were Untapped Storytelling Spaces

Several wide corridors served as the building’s primary circulation routes. These spaces carried heavy daily traffic from both administrators and students but offered little visual engagement.

These corridors became the primary locations for large-scale experiential design moments.

Key Insight #2: Representation Across the District Was Essential

District 214 serves multiple high schools, as well as a few specialized schools, each with its own mascot, traditions, and culture. The administrative building needed to represent each school fairly and consistently.

Key Insight #3: Longevity Required Flexible Design

District staff also maintain some internal print capabilities. By incorporating replaceable graphic elements, the design could evolve over time without requiring a full redesign.

This foresight allowed the environment to stay fresh as new student achievements, events, and milestones occur.

STRATEGIC DESIGN APPROACH

Due to the size of the facility, Cushing implemented the project in three strategic phases, prioritizing high-impact areas while aligning installation with budget cycles and the school calendar.

Phase 1 – Corridor Transformation
The building’s main circulation corridor was transformed from a neutral hallway into a dynamic storytelling space featuring:

Large-scale graphics highlighting student life
Mission-driven messaging integrated into environmental graphics
Dimensional elements celebrating graduation and achievement

This installation immediately shifted the tone of the building and created a powerful placemaking moment along a key traffic route.

Phase 2 – Administrative Workplace Experience
The upper-level administrative offices were designed to reinforce district priorities while improving the workplace experience for staff.

Strategic values displayed on architectural columns
Interchangeable photography showcasing faculty initiatives and student accomplishments
Cable-mounted display systems allowing images to be updated over time

The design reflects the district’s newly finalized strategic plan and integrates it directly into the workplace environment.

Phase 3 – Campus-Wide Integration
The final phase expanded environmental graphics and wayfinding across the building, creating a cohesive branded experience.

Department callout and wayfinding graphics (7 locations)
Stairwell environmental graphics (3 locations)
Exterior window branding
Large-format hallway artwork and wraps

Together, these elements unified the building’s many functional areas into a cohesive branded environment that celebrates District 214’s mission and community.

IMPACT

The new environment brings the district’s identity into the everyday experience of the building.

Corridors that once felt sterile now feature vibrant imagery of students, programs, and achievements. High circulation areas encourage moments of connection and pride. Strategic messaging reinforces the district’s values while creating a more engaging workplace for administrators and staff.

The success of the project also strengthened the district partnership, leading to additional design work within the district.

By combining education design expertise, branded environments, and integrated fabrication and installation, Cushing helped transform a generic administrative building into a campus that functions as a living representation of District 214’s culture and values.

Highlights

Three-phase environmental graphics program transforming a renovated administrative campus
Branded environment celebrating all District 214 schools through equitable representation
Human-Centered Design approach informed by traffic flow, user groups, and workplace needs

Custom feature installations, including a lenticular wall and dimensional brand elements
Flexible graphic systems designed for easy updates by the district’s internal team
Integrated design, print, and installation delivered through one collaborative partner