We were approached to design an outdoor recognition display to honor past donors and inspire new ones. The feature needed to be eye-catching, durable, and easy for the Foundation to update.

Our solution for the recognition display uses colors and shapes pulled directly from the distinctive hexagon-themed Mariemont High School architecture. We had fun exploring a variety of different pattern designs before landing on a loose, hexagon-based design that worked both as a background texture and as a guide for placing donor tiles. Individual tiles are color-coded in the school’s colors to denote four levels of contributions. The modular design of the system allowed repeat donors to cluster their tiles to form larger shapes. Interspersed black and white photo panels add a timeless emotional tie back to the students. Finally, we integrated a bench into the design to give the piece the practical function of a bus stop/shelter.

The result is a donor feature that stands apart. Its design as practical art mixed with its free-form, modular nature make it memorable and impactful. It honors past and existing donors, inspires action from new donors, and represents the strength of MSF both as individuals and as a larger group.

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