The project was initial spurred by the need to replace temporary classroom structures at Franklin Avenue Elementary that were originally brought in as a solution to overcrowding but were now not compliant with State law. Set within a historic and sensitive neighborhood context in Los Feliz, we balanced the need for new permanent classrooms with the need for an inspirational and functional educational environment. To fulfill these needs we developed a new design that includes a two-story classroom building, subterranean parking, increased and upgraded play space, and a new food service building. The new building houses four kindergarten classrooms, nine primary classrooms, and supporting functionary rooms including but not limited to: teacher work rooms, restrooms, and utility spaces.
The architecture of the new classroom building is broken into three main components. The “Bench” is the largest component and comprises the two-story northern classroom wing and the entirety of the partially subterranean parking garage. The “Box” is the second classroom component, located along the second floor of the south elevation and is articulated and emphasized by the use of a patterned fiber cement panel system. Lastly, the “Ribbon” is the circulation and activity space that connects these program spaces together and to the playground below.
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