Paradise Canyon Elementary Expansion & Modernization

LA CANADA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Built in 1959 and having experienced multiple generations of student enrollment growth, the Paradise Canyon Elementary School 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. GGA was tasked with developing an effective and enlivening plan to carry the campus through its next 50 years. Working with the approved campus master plan, we worked with school leadership and stakeholders to confirm program and facility needs that would align with their goals and projections for future enrollment and curriculum. 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 lead 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.