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New Construction Design Management

Design Management

Concurrent with the start of due diligence and CEQA/environmental assessment, the design of new school projects starts with the selection of an architecture & engineering firm to design the school. In compliance with the public contract code, LAUSD selects one firm from among several qualified firms to design the school.

Design Principles

LAUSD uses a comprehensive set of design principles and education code requirements when designing every school. While schools may have a unique appearance, the following core design principles are the foundation of each project design.

Be educationally supportive - Small schools or small learning communities which:
  • Create smaller schools within larger schools
  • Provide spaces for students and teachers to interact
  • Encourage collaboration between teachers
  • Incorporate recreational facilities consistent with California Department of Education guidelines
Be student and teacher friendly - Classrooms with:
  • Well insulated walls and quiet mechanical systems
  • Individual environmental controls
  • Tackable wall surfaces
  • Modern, comfortable furniture
  • Whiteboard/projection areas
  • Low emitting materials
Be technologically up-to-date - Schools equipped with:
  • Internet connectivity (access to high-speed electronic communications)
  • Advances in security and fire alarm systems
Be community friendly - Schools as centers of the community allowing for:
  • Public use of playfields and gymnasiums
  • Public access to libraries, multi-purpose rooms and auditoriums
  • Accommodation for persons with special needs
Be energy efficient - We have designed 100% of all new facilities using sustainable design concepts, which include:
  • Ease of maintenance
  • Use of day lighting and natural ventilation
  • Cool roof and reflective pavement to reduce heat absorption
  • High efficiency water fixtures
  • Smart bathrooms
  • Trees to provide shade and reduce heat
  • Recycling space