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Sticking with the Theme (Circles!).

Students and faculty at LAUSD’s Elementary School #9 felt like they hit the new-campus lottery when they showed up for the 2012/2013 school year.

Added to alleviate overcrowding at six other regional Los Angeles schools, the new K-5 campus welcomes over 650 mini-scholars daily within its 12,500sf multi-purpose building, 62,000sf classroom building and a variety of outdoor playground areas (source of much happy shouting). The design strategy is rooted in minimizing the building footprints, and upping the efficiency factor to gain playground space and minimize underutilized space. The project gets also bonus points for reducing traffic congestion, and the thumbs up from local parents for convenience.

Prudential Ltg. Wave2s provide direct/indirect classroom lighting. P3900 rounds report for duty throughout, indoors and out (installed under canopies in a low humidity region since they’re damp listed). P8600s brighten cafeteria and other utilitarian spaces.

The multi-tasking building west of the classrooms includes an 8,500sf cross-functional space, kitchen, staff lunchroom, and a (noisier, wigglier) covered outdoor lunch area. The landscaped intersecting space between the two buildings serves as the main entrance, with a multi-level covered bridge catering to the upper-floor classrooms.

Circular openings are repeated across the façade, incorporating an element of playfulness, while increasing security by opening sight lines from the upper outdoor decks to the playgrounds. Strategically located to frame views, the openings are staggered, giving every age group the perfect peek-out height.

In terms of sustainability, the project’s Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) target was 32 points, and the school exceeds Title 24 requirements by 15%. Building features are designed to maximize light and minimize heat from the California sun. Solatube skylights in restrooms and operable classroom windows provide natural light and fresh air circulation. Ground-level overhangs and upper-level sunshades as well as the flat ‘cool roof’ all minimize solar heat gain. Clerestory glazing enhances natural light in the lobby and common areas. And there’s ample shade for lunch tables and play fields, keeping kids and teachers comfier (read: happier) throughout the day.

Products Used in This Project