Kingswood Community Center has served the Riverside neighborhood in Wilmington, Delaware since 1946. Originally established as a whites-only community center for returning World War II veterans, Riverside evolved as white residents moved to suburban areas, leaving behind a community predominantly inhabited by low-income Black residents. Kingswood Community Center became a beacon of support, providing essential social services and a safe space for children to learn and play.
Today, Kingswood continues its mission to uplift Riverside residents, offering a wide range of programs designed to support the predominantly low-income Black community through every stage of life. With the upcoming construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility, Kingswood sought to incorporate environmental graphics that reflect its mission. These graphics highlight the community center’s core services—recreation, education, arts, career development, and health—while inspiring visitors to set and achieve personal goals. Through these graphics, Kingswood Community Center reinforces its role as a catalyst for positive change in Riverside.
Role
Designer
Designer
Client
Kingswood Community Center
Kingswood Community Center
Agency
Cloud Gehshan Design
Cloud Gehshan Design
Principal
Ian Goldberg
Ian Goldberg
Design Direction
Linzi Eggers Saban
Linzi Eggers Saban
Co-Designer
MJ Carafa
MJ Carafa
Project Timeline
September 2024 – Present
*Under Construction
September 2024 – Present
*Under Construction
Existing Brand Standards & Design Language
The 5 Pillars color palette representing Kingswood’s core services
Terrazzo Floor Map
Rendering of terrazzo map floor design facing cardinal north
Terrazzo map floor design chosen by client
Other terrazzo map floor design options shown to client
Terrazzo map floor development sketches and reference images
Timeline Wall
Rendering of timeline wall
The timeline is color-coded based on Kingswood’s Five Pillars
Timeline wall development sketches and reference images
The color system developed for the timeline
informed the piping motif on these exterior porcelain panels.
Porcelain panel graphics designed by MJ Carafa, layout and color strategy by me
