826 Valencia, A Partnership in Adventure, Inventiveness, Play, and Whimsy
826 Valencia is a nonprofit that provides one-on-one tutoring for under-resourced students to improve writing skills and cultivate a love of learning. Starting in 2018, WRNS Studio has partnered with 826 Valencia in a series of inspiring pro-bono projects—from a standalone writing center in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood to in-school projects at the San Francisco International High School and, most recently, for the Charles Drew Elementary School. Each project has been meticulously crafted to foster imagination and inspire young writers while demonstrating the power of community engagement.
“Over many projects at our Centers and schools, the good people at WRNS Studio have created joyful learning environments that inspire creativity and engagement.” – Bita Nazarian, Executive Director, 826 Valencia
Mission Bay Center
The Mission Bay Center, located on the ground floor of a new development that offers 100% affordable housing, was 826 Valencia’s third writing center in San Francisco. 826 Valencia wanted their new tutoring center to be playful and whimsical, in keeping with one of the hallmarks of their programs: infusing learning with a spirit of inventiveness and adventure. At the Mission Bay Center, this happens in an ‘enchanted forest’—one that ties the transformative experience of learning to fantasy, creativity, and play. Various artists and craftspeople contributed their services pro-bono for this effort including BCCI as the general contractor and Office as the branding and products consultants.
San Francisco International High School Writers’ Room
Our second project for 826 Valencia—a Writers’ Room at San Francisco International High School—infused the same principles of adventure and inventiveness, whimsey and play into a school setting. The Writers’ Room serves as a valuable resource for teachers, who can request project-specific support from 826 Valencia’s team of volunteers. Thematically, the Writers’ Room transports “animal tourists” to local attractions around San Francisco, with graphic landmarks adorning the walls. Returning for this project, BCCI served as the general contractor.
Charles Drew Elementary School Writers’ Room
The completion of our third project for 826 Valencia, a Writers’ Room at Charles Drew Elementary School, immerses young writers in an enchanting world where the forest canopy reaches the sky. Drawing inspiration from the fog and foliage outside the classroom’s large windows, the Writers’ Room is an arboreal realm inhabited by friendly animals and fantastical creatures in the clouds. Novo Construction served as the general contractor.
“They built this magical room based on student ideas that was replete with giraffe bookshelves, panoramic murals filled with mythical creatures, and flying book clouds! Our students face many barriers to learning, yet every child wants to write and learn in this room.” – Bita Nazarian, Executive Director, 826 Valencia
Highlighting our collective dedication to providing essential resources and opportunities to underserved students, the design team found creative solutions to maximize the limited budget. We reached out to the local AEC community, securing donations in product and time from consultants, vendors, and friends. WRNS Studio staff dedicated their lunch hours to craft custom decorations for the Writers’ Room. Discarded books from the San Francisco Public Library, obtained through a public-request program, were upcycled into a ceiling installation resembling opened books with folded edges, evoking birds in flight. Team members also painted giraffe-shaped bookcases and fabricated voluptuous clouds from paper lanterns and cotton batting. The team came together for an intensive multi-day installation, transforming the space into a vibrant learning environment that fosters exploration and creativity.
WRNS Studio’s partnership with 826 Valencia stands as a testament to the enduring impact of pro bono collaborations in fostering educational equity and nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers.
To learn more about 826 Valencia visit 826valencia.org.