Continuity in a New Era
The renowned blue tiles around the new Metz building tell more than the decorative aspect of this building; rather, they represent the ownership and personalization of the building to the Metz community. According to Ben Heimsath, architect of Clovis Heimsath, the idea for these blue tiles can be accredited to his mother. With the intention to discourage graffiti, the team of architects figured that this way to personalize the building would inspire creativity in a positive light. While the Metz students were displaced at Webb Middle School, these students were given blank, blue tiles to draw any illustrations that they would like.
"But there were beautiful little tiles that went around the school and we were so proud of coming back and having this beautiful school built for us, that when we put those tiles, we all made a big thing about it"
- Lupe Ramos
These blue tiles, personalized by the community of Metz, were then added throughout the new Metz building. In an interview conducted by Metz students during the 90th anniversary of Metz, Donald Wayne Bos, the school librarian, talks about these blue tiles and their significance to the community. He, like many community members, can still recall and point out the blue tiles they personalized.