MKSK Collaborates with CRIS and Global Academy on New Language & Cultural Garden

MKSK's Juliana Silveira, Planner, and Courtney Keys, Designer, have been providing design assistance to help transform the courtyard at the Columbus Global Academy in Columbus, Ohio into a language and cultural garden. The Global Academy school is an ESL program that serves refugees and immigrants between the ages of 13 and 22, representing more than 55 countries and 80+ languages. The program is a stepping stone in assisting students meeting public school system grade level promotion and graduation requirements, while integrating them into American culture.

The prior overgrown courtyard is now ready to expand students learning experience and become an exterior flexible classroom, study zone, lounge area, and therapeutic space.

Phase one consisted of demolition, stabilization and mural installation by muralist Eliza Ho. The brainstorming group landed at the strong message of “Foundation Family Future” supported by flags of the students’ countries lining the space, as a source of pride from which they can reinforce their connection to their roots. Phase two is planned for Spring 2018 and consists of beautification and program implementation. The project is being funded and installed by Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS) with help from volunteers and a grant awarded by the United Way of Central Ohio.

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