Franklin Hall I Los Angeles, CA

This 1960s vintage concrete and glass curtain wall structure on Los Angeles City College, which houses the Math and Social Science Departments, underwent a complete renovation. This modernization project aimed to bring a 50 year old building up-to-date in terms of smart classrooms, utilities, and design for sustainability to exceed Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards.

The exterior scope of work included window replacement, brick restoration, and accent painting. The interior package included a comprehensive upgrade for smart classrooms of the future such as computers, projector screens, visual smart boards, and audio/visual equipment. The project also included the design of an energy efficient HVAC system, plumbing upgrades such as drinking fountains and restrooms, and new electrical service to the building including main switchgear, lighting, and low voltage.

Although the project did not pursue LEED certification, the principles of sustainability were strictly followed throughout the design process in order to achieve a high performance building. For example, the design called for operable windows for natural ventilation, double pane windows to reduce heat gain, lighting controlled by photocells and occupancy sensors, centralized HVAC system with VAV terminals and economizers to maximize energy efficiency, and the use of Environmentally Preferred Products (EPP) for architectural finishes. 

*Completed while Principal-in-charge and Architect of record at gkkworks.