Do LA's New School Houses Rock?

Friday, March 19, 2010

There is no denying that the urban fabric of Los Angeles has changed as a result of the unprecedented school construction campaign launched by LAUSD in 1997. Since that time, 80 new k-12 schools have been constructed and another 51 new k-12 schools are yet to be built – all within a system designed to engage a wide field of architects creating unique schools. Yet since that time, the demographics have changed, school enrollment has dropped and charter schools are growing in popularity. Is there a balance to strike with innovative learning environments that are actually designed to support learning and the need to build efficiently and effectively in tight urban neighborhoods? Today’s reality also includes multi-use buildings and joint-use programs which some districts and schools embrace and others avoid. What do we really think about our schools and are there other models from around the country that should be explored? While many rightfully laud the dramatic reduction in overcrowding and the effort to create new landmarks in civic architecture, the Westside Urban Forum brings together a distinguished panel to ask:

• How do we determine the right price for new schools?

•  What have been the greatest successes and mistakes in designing school buildings that support successful teaching and learning?

• Do Charter Schools require a different design approach from traditional schools?

• Should we continue building new schools or is it time to rebuild for the future?

Moderator

Steve Soboroff, Chairman, Playa Vista, Past Member of the School Bond Oversight

Panelists

Kathi Littmann, VP School Operations at KC Distance Learning, Former Head of School Building Planning at LAUSD

John Quiter, AIA, LEED® A.P., Chairman, Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A.
James Sohn, Chief Facilities Executive, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)