In Memory of Nicky Lentz
Morehead School for the Blind
Concept by Students from NC State College of Design

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"Nicky’s Wall" is a sensory and sound wall located at the Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, North Carolina—a space designed not only for functionality but for tactile storytelling and emotional resonance. The project was originally conceptualized by students from the NC State College of Design, but its meaning deepened with the involvement of Nicky Lentz, a recent high school graduate from the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia.

Nicky helped reshape the vision for the wall, drawing inspiration from Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” The wall begins with a textured sunrise—signifying new beginnings—and evolves into a meandering road that represents the journey of life. Along this path, the panels transition through tactile depictions of North Carolina’s changing topography: from the coastal plain, through the Piedmont, and into the mountains. Additional textures suggest clouds, urban life, and the unexpected detours one may encounter.

The installation was a gift from Lucas Concrete Products to the Morehead School—a memorial to Nicky, whose cancer claimed both his eyesight and, tragically, his life before the project could be completed. Today, Nicky's Wall stands as a celebration of perseverance, creativity, and the lasting impact of one young voice.

Originally, Lucas Concrete Products was brought in to assist with engineering a connection between a foundation and a wall designed by NC State design students. However, the project evolved into something far more personal and profound through the involvement of Nikki Lentz.

Nikki, who had recently graduated from the Overbrook School for the Blind, collaborated with the design team to reimagine the wall as more than a structure—it became a sensory narrative. His vision incorporated tactile representations of natural and urban textures, encouraging exploration through touch for visually impaired students.

Each panel was meticulously crafted with a variety of surface treatments to simulate landscapes and atmospheric elements. The textures were designed to not only engage the senses but to evoke an emotional response, guiding the user through a symbolic journey across geography and time.

Behind the scenes, Lucas Concrete worked to translate Nikki’s creative direction into castable, durable concrete panels. The process involved a blend of custom formwork and hand-applied textures to ensure the final product would be both functional and expressive.

Despite the heartbreaking loss of Nikki before completion, the project was seen through with care, precision, and love. The wall today offers more than sound buffering—it invites students to feel their way forward, one texture at a time, just as Nikki envisioned.