| The comprehensive modernization of Grover Cleveland High School integrates an extensive new building program into an historic 1960’s campus, resulting in a 21st century learning environment that respects its modernist roots while strengthening campus life. The scope includes the construction of seven new buildings for general classrooms, science labs, food service and dining, performing arts, child care, and campus support services, and the modernization of two general classroom buildings and gym. New construction more than doubles the building area on campus.
It was important to incorporate the new square footage while remaining respectful of the historical context of the campus’ original “finger plan”, and minimize the visual impact of the new structures on the community. New buildings are stacked in a multi-story configuration and placed in line with the existing orthogonal grid, with the tallest structure resting furthest from the street, buffered from the neighborhood by open space.
The placement of the new buildings creates an enlarged all-school quad to serve as the heart of the campus as its “outdoor living room”, providing for serendipitous social interaction and extracurricular activities that enrich campus life. Originally designed to support 1,500 students, the campus now accommodates 3,200 students, so the need to expand open space was not predicated solely on expanding educational programming, but also an essential outcome to reducing social stress due to overcrowding. To address the hot climate of the San Fernando Valley, it was a critical design consideration to create shade in the quad, through a combination of landscaping and building massing.
To maintain the high school’s historical integrity while responding to the need to adapt, the design response is compatible with, but differentiated from, the original design. The new aesthetic language is expressed through simple, geometric forms with little applied ornament, an asymmetrical, rhythmic design composition utilizing a pallet of brick, steel, stucco and flush-mounted metal-framed glazing elements that complement original finishes found at the school, and incorporation of flat roofs. Spider-leg columns at the entry canopies of both the performing arts lobby and faculty dining area create a subtle link between the new and historical buildings. Architectural materials were selected for both their aesthetics and durability. The team located the successor company for the Higgins red brick found on the historic campus buildings. New bricks matching the original will assist the integration of new buildings into the existing campus fabric.
The design solution focuses on balancing the tenets of biophilic design with considerations driven by the imperatives of sustainability. The incorporation of durable contemporary, colorful finishes coupled with ample natural light are the hallmark of the interior design approach. It will be a CHPS Verified project.
These improvements will enhance the integration of specialized programs (media arts, drafting, digital humanities, engineering design, science, JROTC, theater, drama, music and art) with other complementary programs that have been restricted due to a shortage of space conducive to contemporary learning pedagogies.
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