Arcturis, in collaboration with Oates Associates, Inc. and the Missouri School for the Blind, completed a comprehensive renovation of the school’s city campus with a focus on accessibility, safety, and meaningful engagement for students of all abilities. A key part of the project involved transforming the courtyard and nature park into inclusive outdoor environments that encourage learning, exploration, and play. Raised planters and a greenhouse support hands-on gardening and nutrition education, while new features such as a zip-line and accessible playground structures provide sensory-rich play opportunities.

The renovation also addressed the school’s indoor amenities, including the restoration and modernization of the existing pool area and locker rooms. Updates included new finishes, the addition of code-compliant restroom facilities, and enhanced safety features such as a secondary exit from the pool equipment room. Throughout both indoor and outdoor spaces, the design team prioritized the needs of students with visual impairments.

To support navigation and spatial recognition, high-contrast color palettes were used to define areas, and epoxy flooring helped distinguish between different zones. These visual cues, along with thoughtful material selections and spatial organization, were integrated throughout the project to enhance wayfinding and ensure a safe, comfortable environment for all users. The result is a cohesive campus design that fosters independence, inclusivity, and active participation in daily school life.