Built in 1959, Paradise Canyon Elementary School is set within the rustic landscape of La Canada, CA. Comprised of a series of was in need of a comprehensive analysis on how to cohesively align the need to replace portable classrooms with permanent facilities while readdressing the global learning environment. Collaborating with school leadership and stakeholders, existing facilities, utilities, and access were studied to maximize outdoor learning areas while also providing adequate resources for safety and operations functions. Community engagement and outreach help led considerations for building locations and landscape buffers which addressed the residential neighborhood concerns about traffic and privacy. Given a challenging set of grade differentials in place, careful consideration was given to address global circulation and accessibility issues that have prevented a unified campus with a sense of identity and place.
