VCU STEM Building

Gropen partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University to create a dynamic, high-energy wayfinding and experiential graphic system for the VCU STEM Building. Working closely with faculty and campus stakeholders, Gropen developed visually engaging graphics that reflect each department’s identity and research focus. The project encompassed wall graphics, window etching, backlit panels, and custom media walls, integrating content derived from faculty-generated scientific visuals and data.

Designs drew inspiration from scientific imagery, creating an immersive environment that blends education with aesthetic appeal. One innovative feature translated the cellular structures of muscles into graphics for the on-site gym, connecting design elements directly to functional spaces. Throughout the building, graphics provide educational value, reinforce departmental identity, and unify the overall visual experience.

This project highlights how Gropen’s research-inspired graphics create an immersive academic environment, connecting visual storytelling to functional spaces and supporting discovery across the STEM building.