Vocational College Parkstad location Herle

For Beroepscollege Herle, I created several murals that together transformed the grey, concrete schoolyard into a colourful and inspiring learning environment. During the process, I worked closely with students, allowing them not only to help with the realisation but also to feel connected to the renewed school environment.

The central artwork tells the story of the development of young people. At the heart of the design is a dreamy teenage girl. Her long hair flows across the walls and gradually transforms into a lush forest full of plants and flowers. This landscape symbolizes personal growth, self-discovery, and the many opportunities that arise during school years.

Amidst the foliage, a chameleon is incorporated, symbolizing the constant change that teenagers undergo. Young people search for their identity, adapt to new situations, and develop step by step. At the end of this visual journey, an owl appears, representing wisdom, insight, and the knowledge students gain along the way.

The canopy of the schoolyard is also part of the story. This dark space has been given a more mysterious atmosphere, featuring various symbolic plants. Mushrooms refer to experimentation, curiosity, and the discovery of new possibilities, while carnivorous plants represent temptation and the dangers that young people may encounter along the way. In this way, the mural shows that growing up is not only about opportunities and development, but also about making choices and learning to deal with challenges.

By connecting the different walls, a single continuous artwork has been created that accompanies the students daily during their school years. The mural adds color to the schoolyard, stimulates the imagination, and tells a story about growth, change, and the journey to adulthood.