LACHSA is located on California State University Los Angeles’s campus. The high school stresses the importance and value of the arts and as a school that relies on donations to provide art education, visibility and identity free of the university is an integral part of the school’s message to the community. The design of the building is meant to give a sense of transparency that provides a welcoming space for all to be able to experience and showcase all of the talent. Rather than blending into the rest of the university’s campus, the unique design of the school is one that easily distinguishes itself and captures the publics​’​ attention. It establishes a sense of pride and belonging for the high school students that might otherwise feel lost or overlooked in the larger university campus. 

Additionally, environmental responsibility is a central focus of the LEED-certified building. With a location in urban Los Angeles, it was important for HMC Architects, the designers of the space, to provide sustainable green space for the students. Its green roof is filled with native plants that utilize an efficient drip irrigation system and provide open green space within the confines of the building. The energy management system allows for natural light to fill performance spaces while also permitting dramatic lighting for night time performances. With all of these combined features, the building communicates the vital importance of the arts to the community while also remaining environmentally responsible in the space it occupies.

Works Cited:

“Benefits of Green Spaces in Schools.” BCWH, 26 Jan. 2016, bcwh.com/benefits-of-green-spaces-in-schools/.

Duginski, Paul. “Is California Headed Back into Drought, or Did We Never Really Leave One?” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2020, http://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-02- 15/is-california-headed-back-into-drought-or-did-we-never-really-leave-one.

“Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.” HMC Architects, Mar. 2013, hmcarchitects.com/portfolio/pk12/los-angeles-county-high-school-for-the-arts/.

“Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.” CCSESA Arts Initiative, 2019, ccsesaarts.org/snapshots/los-angeles-county-high-school-arts/.