Award of Merit: Higher Education: Los Angeles Harbor College

ARCHITECT: Steinberg Architects
OWNER: Los Angeles Community College District
DESIGN TEAM: KPFF Consulting Engineers (Engineer), AHBE Landscape Architects (Landscape Architect), Mallcraft, Inc. (General Contractor), JMC2 (Civil Engineer), IBE Consulting Engineers (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Engineer), Vantage Technology Consulting Group (Technology & AV Consultant), Lighting Design Alliance, Inc. (Lighting Designer), Cumming, LLC (Cost Estimator), Lerch Bates, Inc. (Vertical Transportation Consultant), SM&W (Security Consultant), Davies Associates (Signage Consultant), Schirmer Engineering (Fire Protection Consultant)
Photos by Paul Turang

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Constructed in 2009 on the main campus of Los Angeles Harbor College, the Northeast Academic Hall and the Student Services and Administration Building both received LEED Gold status. These two buildings, which serve as the centerpiece of the new campus entry on “L” Street, successfully capture sustainable practices through smart building envelope design, orientation, daylighting and shading strategies, energy efficient lighting and HVAC, and selection of durable and environmentally preferable materials.
Some of the most notable accomplishments of this project include 36% energy savings over Title 24; adoption of passive strategies to create a successful learning environment, such as extensive daylighting implementation through clerestory windows and light wells and minimizing exposure to solar heat gain by orienting classrooms along the east and north facades; treatment of storm water runoff onsite; savings of 45% potable water usage; and diversion of 96% of construction waste from the landfill. “This project demonstrates the power of getting the basics right—orientation, plan organization, and solar control,” observed one juror.
For more information about Los Angeles Harbor College, please visit www.lahc.edu.