Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center

The Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center transformed an unused elementary school into a teaching tool. The center provides unique training opportunities to Winchester Public Schools students and community members. Students are empowered with marketable skills that lead to full-time, high-paying employment.

 


Client
Winchester Public Schools

Architect
VMDO Architects

Location
Winchester, VA

Scope
Wayfinding, Graphics, Donor Recognition, Signage

 
A teenager checks in at a welcome desk and a woman sits behind the counter. Behind the desk is a large photographic arial mural of John Handley High School.
 
 

Dynamic Learning Spaces

In addition to shared community areas, the center is organized around three industry themes: Professional Skills Academy, Health Sciences Academy, and Information Technology Academy. Each discipline is branded with a bold, dynamic color and icon. Wayfinding and graphics give each wing it’s own strong identity that reflects the modern, hands-on learning experiences the students receive in these spaces.

 
 
 
Logo for the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center in burgundy and gold
The icons of the Innovation Center departments including a gold microchip, a blue heart containing a cross, and a green gear
 
 
A seating area in the Health Sciences wing with a photographic wall mural of a mountain road with the words "Intergrity," "Problem-solving," "Courageous," and "Compassion" overlaid
 
 
 

Highlighting Donors

A Community Partner wall recognizes the donors that contributed to this important project that equips youth and adults to meet the demands of the regional job market.

A brick wall painted charcoal gray has square plaques in burgandy, gray, and pale gold attached to it with names of donors and community partners.
 
 
A wall mural in a stairwell has the black and white portrait of Emil and Grace Shihadeh
 

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