Project Overview

On a rainy day in August 2025, Reedy Laurel Elementary in Greenville, South Carolina, opened its doors to the next generation of our planet’s stewards for the first time. The brand new school has a specific focus on environmental science, and aims to inspire its students to “apply their scientific knowledge to preserve the Earth and its resources.” Stepping inside the school and shedding their raincoats and umbrellas, it was easy for students and staff alike to see that these values go beyond simple virtue signaling.

Immediately upon entering the building, visitors are greeted by a large, bright hallway adorned with all manner of natural things: grass accents kids can touch and climb on, bright leaves of native trees painted on the walls, and a sky-blue ceiling and rafters overhead. The crown jewel of their nature-inspired entryway is an analog Picture Flap display featuring images of nature as well as Reedy Laurel’s mascot, an Otter, standing proudly beside the school’s slogan: “Planting The Seeds of Learning.”

K-12 Use Case

The school delivers on its promise to promote environmentally-focused learning in impactful ways. Reedy Laurel features multiple wet labs, a greenhouse, and ample outdoor space, including specialty playgrounds and a pollinator garden, enabling students to explore and develop a love of the environment. Indoors, the school’s classrooms, library, cafeteria, and hallways are all decorated with thoughtful touches of nature, key campus design elements that will help instructors deliver on Reedy Laurel’s mission. The Picture Flap display in the entryway anchors the school’s design around its commitment to the environment, sustainability, and the application of education to preserve the Earth. In addition to reflecting those principles aesthetically, Picture Flap displays are a sustainable alternative to digital screens, requiring a fraction of the energy to operate and running cool without generating excess heat. (LED walls consume ~9× to 26× more max power than Picture Flap, depending on model.)

Functionality and Design

As every parent knows, children are endlessly curious and have a deep sense of wonder. As screens become more commonplace and static signage fails to engage, dynamic analog school signage contributes to a memorable learning environment for children, teens, and young adults. It’s one thing to understand and emphasize the value of nurturing a child’s wonder, but it’s quite another to intentionally build a space where it can flourish. That’s why Reedy Laurel opted for analog school signage instead of digital or static signage. As the rotors gently whir and the picture flaps turn over with a soothing cascade of clacking, the young students (and a few staff members) are captivated by its dynamic, tactile operation. Its rainlike sonic qualities offer a peaceful moment where kids can truly lose themselves in wonder, fostering curiosity and cultivating their lifelong love for learning. 

Press and Media

Reedy Laurel Elementary opened with quite a splash, and not just for the puddles in the parking lot. Local print publications, the Greenville News and the Greenville Journal, both wrote articles celebrating the school’s opening, each focusing on its ecological design elements and featuring Reedy Laurel’s Picture Flap school signage in the entryway. Local television news stations also covered the opening, including regional CBS, NBC, and Fox affiliates. In each segment, Reedy Laurel is praised for its environmental focus and innovative school design. 

FAQS 

Can effective design impact learning?

Any student’s success in education depends on a combination of factors. Of course, having inspiring instructors is key, but those individuals are better supported when their teaching environment fosters students’ curiosity. Building a space where learning can thrive requires careful planning and attention to detail, especially as the digital space increasingly competes for students’ attention with physical space. Nevertheless, designers are continually finding innovative ways to make school campuses bastions of learning. Engaging sensory elements, such as analog displays, helps designers capture students’ imaginations.

Will elementary-age students appreciate analog school signage?

Young children will be particularly appreciative of the dynamic, tactile, sensory functioning of analog school signage. Children have become accustomed to screens, and so they no longer spark their sense of wonder. The motion of Split Flap and Picture Flap displays is carefully orchestrated and creates a soft, calming sound that captures attention without demanding it. Children and adults alike can enjoy analog school signage in motion, wondering how it works and appreciating the craftsmanship. 

What if I want to display different artwork or branding later? 

If you want to highlight new imagery on your Picture Flap display, Oat Foundry can facilitate the art process of getting new flaps printed. The old plastic flaps are recyclable and easy to replace. 

How much energy does a Picture Flap actually save?

Compared with similar-sized digital displays, Picture Flap (rated for over 660k hours of projected use) has a maximum power of 195 watts and a standby power of about 43 watts. Samsung’s The Wall, by comparison, has a maximum power of 1700 watts and a standby power of 1100 watts. Sony’s ZRD-CH15D has a maximum power of 2128 watts and a resting power of 1372 watts. Overall, LED walls consume ~9× to 26× the maximum power of Picture Flap, depending on the model.

How much heat output does a Picture Flap have?

Picture Flap delivers a maximum of 194 BTU, compared to Samsung’s The Wall at 5800 BTU, ~30× more heat at maximum output. Learn more about why analog is an eco-friendly, sustainable solution here.