A Study of Los Angeles Public School Design in Identifying Community Improvement

Abstract

Architectural utility in Richard Neutra's early twentieth century modern school design was paramount in progressively shaping salience of academic institutions, in part to move beyond neoclassical traditions in style based design. The intention being to address school and community through modern architectural solutions. Expanding on Neutra's practice, the planning and design of new public schools in Los Angeles, are advocating the integration of institutional and public spaces. This research will document through qualitative analysis of institutional design within transitioning neighborhoods, a utilitarian approach that has become foundational for positive urban change. The focus of this research will reflect upon contemporary schools designed by DalyGenik Architecture, Coop Himmelblau and Michael Maltzen Architecture. Comparing with Neutra's early modernist approach, the selected case studies will address material and spatial applications having redefined functional relationships of interior space, architectural envelope and an interconnected public realm. A dynamic peripheral condition in new school design has emerged with the elimination of decorative adornment, clarifying utilitarian intentions of institutional service to and the rejuvenation of public realms and community spaces.