The Final Installation
Our Voices, Our Space
A participatory installation amplifying student voice, self-expression, and belonging.
This interactive wall installation was developed as a research-driven design solution to explore how visual communication can foster belonging and inclusion in school environments. The piece invites students to reflect, contribute, and engage in dialogue through creative and tactile interaction.
Design Overview
The installation consists of two main wall panels — one focused on Identity & Self-Expression and the other on Barriers & Bridges.
Each section provides opportunities for reflection, interaction, and visual storytelling. Together, they create a space where students’ words and ideas become part of the artwork itself.
The design integrates color, typography, and interactivity to embody the project’s central themes of voice, creativity, and connection.
Key Components
Research-Driven Design
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From Heffernan’s Vertical Schools case, spatial design principles inspired the wall’s modular structure and visibility within high-traffic areas.
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The LINA AR Game study influenced the inclusion of storytelling and participatory engagement as part of the interaction design.
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The Politics of Belonging case inspired the incorporation of personal reflection prompts and visual storytelling methods, connecting individual experiences to collective identity.
From Prototype to Installation
The installation evolved through multiple iterations — from early paper mockups and pegboard tests to the final, fully constructed wall. Each phase involved experimenting with material durability, stability, and visual balance.
Lightweight paneling and modular framing allowed for mobility and adaptability, ensuring the piece could be displayed safely in a school environment.
Impact & Future Possibilities
Our Voices, Our Space will serve as an interactive and evolving installation within the WHS Library Learning Commons. It is designed to grow with student participation and inspire future projects centered on creativity, wellness, and belonging.
Future extensions may include digital components — such as QR codes that document evolving responses or virtual exhibits that extend the conversation beyond the physical wall.
Closing Quote
“When students see their voices reflected in their environment, belonging becomes visible.”
— Susana Estes