Architects Coop Himmelb(l)au have completed a visual and performing arts high school in Los Angeles, USA.
The campus is comprised of seven buildings: four classroom buildings, a library, a cafeteria and a professional performing arts theatre.
The comprehensive high school will accommodate about 1,800 students, organised into four academies.
Here’s some more information from Coop Himmelb(l)au:
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Completion of COOP HIMMELB(L)AU’s High School #9, Los Angeles, USA
The Central Los Angeles Area High School #9 for the visual and performing arts by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU has just been completed. The school will open for the new school year in September 2009.
The Central Los Angeles Area High School #9 for the Visual and Performing Arts of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is part of phase II of LAUSD’s rigorous state bond funded plan to have 155 new schools built in its district by 2012.
Located on a 9.8 acre site on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, the school will be a comprehensive High School and in addition will offer courses in the Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music and Dance.
Above images by Tom Bonner.
Below images by Lane Barden.
Due to its central location the High School will be a part of the cultural facilities along the Grand Avenue cultural corridor, joining the Disney Concert Hall, Music Center, Colburn School of Music, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels.
To fulfil its mandate as a public facility in keeping with the spirit of the other facilities on Grand Avenue the school campus will include a professional performing arts theater for just below 1,000 visitors, a venue, which so far has been missing in the spectrum of performance facilities downtown Los Angeles.
The theater will be used for educational purposes, will be open to the public and for use by other institutions, and is equipped with a full stage, orchestra pit, back stage and fly-loft.
The school will house approximately 1,800 students organized in four academies, one for each discipline in the Arts. Accordingly, the campus is comprised of seven buildings: the theater building, four classroom buildings, the library and the cafeteria.
The unique central position of the site downtown, separated from the Grand Avenue corridor by the 101 freeway and thus visually exposed along the edge of one of the most widely used thoroughfares in downtown Los Angeles, was a determining factor in the decision to use this site to create LAUSD’s flagship high school for the Visual and Performing Arts and together with the program served as the point of departure for the architectural concept for the school.
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Posted by Rose Etherington
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:44 pm
This is from the same bankrupt school district that is now complaining about being woefully short of funds for basic upkeep of inner-city infrastructure.
Way to go American public schools.
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Only in L.A.!
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
I won’t get into what I think about using tax funding for projects such as this, regardless of how inspiring (the form) may or may not be.
I do enjoy the lineage of Austrian architecture and this deconstructivist scheme of exploring new ways to defy gravity through structure and tightly integrated engineering. You may argue with me, but when compared to the structural aspects of Zaha, Morphosis, Gehry (why bother mentioning him at all here) and Eisenmann; COOP does well. I live near the Akron Art Museum, and these spaces are really well integrated systems with exposed and contained architectonic components.
Gehry’s Ti clad music hall is only 2 blocks south of Moneo’s Cathedral, and there are borrowed elements from both. COOP does have fantastic detail work and I enjoy the play of scale and form between all three structures now.
From my understanding, all the new schools are supposed to meet both LEED certification and California’s own strict Green Building Code. It would be nice to see how COOP stepped into that challenge with this project if that was even attempted.
I wonder about the concrete on the lower pedestrian exterior and how that will be met with the public. They have been using polished metal panels to defy graffiti with some success, but the concrete seems to be asking for tagging. I wonder if COOP is inviting tagging with the walls much like Thom Mayne did in Cincinnati with his Campus Recreation Center did with skateboarding. Perversive public behavior is often encouraged because it represents usage.
I only hope the tower with the helix is functional in terms of mechanics as I think it is, and not just a silly element with some dramatic aspect.
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Will,
Eli Broad and other covered most of the costs for this. Grow up.
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:38 pm
I love it… form follows form… welcome to XXI century architecture.
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Perfect setting for a high-school massacre (JG Ballard style). That glass-gated staircase cries out to be strewn with bodies.
Have to say, I’d be pretty happy going to school there (except the having to live in LA part)…
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Hmm… definite shortage of green space, and I wonder what the architects (or educators) think the “four” arts are?!
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 pm
just so it’s clear, the spiral and box serve no function.
as an LAer, i’m disappointed by this project. not sure what the story is w/ the LAUSD and it’s finances.
December 24th, 2008 at 12:05 am
is that twirly piece a stair?
December 24th, 2008 at 12:21 am
saw its constrcution process 1 year ago. However, after this images, i really do not get it. is this a futural high school? it looks 90s architecture.
December 24th, 2008 at 12:29 am
“The unique central position of the site downtown, separated from the Grand Avenue corridor by the 101 freeway and thus visually exposed along the edge of one of the most widely used thoroughfares in downtown Los Angeles, was a determining factor in the decision to use this site to create LAUSD’s flagship high school for the Visual and Performing Arts and together with the program served as the point of departure for the architectural concept for the school.”
the only concept the building seems to evoke is a 100 car pileup on the 101. Driving down the freeway and seeing the eyesore of the “9″ tower does not qualify for a concept.
December 24th, 2008 at 1:01 am
there should be more schools like this.
co op himmelblau are coming into there own.
great work.
December 24th, 2008 at 2:39 am
The photos focus only on the cool theater and tower building where all he money was spent. What you don’t see are the 3 other, extremely uninspired school buildings where the students will spend most of their time in class. These buildings are large boxes separated by vast concrete plazas with little in the way of greenery. As a place for young art students these building will fail to inspire.
I think the theater, tower and front classroom buildings are great but they achieve this at the expense of the rest of the campus. You can almost draw a line where the cash ran out.
December 24th, 2008 at 3:13 am
spectacular…. you wonder how they came up with the concept for this stuff and if the rooms are also practical in usage…. don’t you
December 24th, 2008 at 5:15 am
Well, I believe in America.
December 24th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Jealous. Wish I could’ve gone there.
December 24th, 2008 at 8:24 am
yeah only in L.A
great building
December 24th, 2008 at 10:32 am
hmh, it’s not to convincing that this is the representative architectural atmosphere for 2009 and I can’t find it representative for Coop Himmelb(l)au either. Hope that L.A. investors can be blamed for that
December 24th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Can you imagine you being a art student, and having to live with that every day?
A whole lost generation!
December 24th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-me-arts22-2008dec22,0,4864702.story?page=2
somewhat interesting article highlighting the local areas funding and whether however many millions of dollars ploughed into one school in one area is beneficial.
While (as a UK citizen/architecture grad) i am somewhat jealous of the lavish possibilities on offer within the public sector in the US, it seems to me this a wasted opportunity. While i’m not a fan of all this deconstructivist jazz, I can appreciate some of Coop’s work but this is not very nice at all. That tower and spiral is for what exactly?! It represents what? It looks like a rather crappy ski jump.
Disappointing.
December 24th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
This is too alien and too much..
well…. thank you and merry christmass
December 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Teenagers like to have places to hang out and spend time with their friends, but there is too much unfinished concrete and exterior dead spaces where there’s no reason for spending any time. There’s hardly any seating, just concrete walls in your face. Who wants to stand around concrete walls?
I’ve seen prisons that do more to encourage interaction and socialization than this school.
December 24th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
its very fugly. I love the 80’s
December 25th, 2008 at 3:59 am
oh god, talk about “3d doodling”.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
mmmm…concrete and steel…not exactly the warmest materials, maybe good for a swiss school (eg. Volta school) but Americans aren’t exactly famed for their restrained character…not convinced by this
December 29th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
This building is a great disappointment. It’s neighbors, the Disney Concert Hall and Cal Trans building have already had their impact on downtown, and this complex feels like a low-rent version of both.
The fact the LAUSD would spend this much money on a single school is something that should be questioned and challenged. The $230 million dollar price tag is huge, and was paid for tax payers in areas all over LA with schools in disrepair. (Note: Eli Broad only paid for 3.1 million of this according to this article: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-06-10-2774055857_x.htm)
I think many of the smaller charter schools are setting a better example of what inspirational schools should be in Los Angeles).
December 31st, 2008 at 1:25 am
As I was told by someone working on the project, the tower piece was actually to be used as a conference area. It, along with the budget was approved, then along the way came a huge cut. This cut made it impossible to build the structure that would hold the live load of a space of that type, so the use was cut, but the form remains. But really, to imagine this work without the tower would be quite sad. I’m not sure how the funding went for this school, but in my opinion it’s much better spent on a public school that will have a direct effect on tens of thousands of kids over the years than on some sort of private venture. It frames the 101 beautifully and makes a definite statement across the way from a religious monument….sorry to dredge up an old discussion…but how much money was spent on a cathedral less than a mile away from one of the largest homeless populations in the United States?
January 5th, 2009 at 9:05 am
As far as the tower being used as confrence area, i was told by the project architect that it was going to be used a 3k sqft reception area thinking that after openings receptions would be held after theatre events and the space would be rented out. It would have been rad having views of downtown. The structure was built out to support a live load from what I remember and the spiral is also capable as the second egress but since funding was cut all finishing for the space was cut, given the additional funds it would still be posible to build out the space.
January 6th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Loos would Ayn Rand that damn box and spiraly ‘conceptual commentary’ peace. And he would have every right too. Heinous, heinous heinous.
Back to the fabric I say – enough with the icons, I say.
January 7th, 2009 at 12:11 am
A high school ?????U out of your mind. I guess i was born in the wrong country. I shouln’t have seen this.
January 17th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I just returned from a visit to the school. Comfort and practicality are secondary to style. The library looks very cool and impressive from the outside, but the available usable space inside is quite small. I guess they are not planning on doing much reading. The buildings ‘ poured concrete floors are very hard on the back. The classroom ambiance is Costco Warehouse. The views of the city are fabulous from the common area. The outdoor pool with the view of City Hall and the Cathedral with lots of traffic noise is surreal. Landscaping would warm up the cold feel of the campus. Why is there no handicapped ramp at the big outdoor stairway entrance on Cesar Chavez Blvd.?
February 18th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
So have anyone of you downers ever been to this school? I didn’t think so. Concrete and Steel? Yeah I’d say that’s about the most sustainable way to go about designing a building for this purpose. I suppose before you knock this structure, you have seen the plans, systems, and hvacs for the building? Fact is, where designing for the future, would you of rather them use a brick veneer, pretty sure it would still be steel framed. I think this is great, and if you do get the chance to visit it you would certainly find, the architects did in fact do a little research on designing schools, as a matter of fact I’d put money on it that the firm specializes in such.
Concrete is great for insulation, with the right hvac design, you will sure meet code requirements and hit lead points. Thermal mass insulation! Natural day lighting could be one of the most important aspects to designing a building, especially a school. Utilize the sun, keep electric costs down, save on boilers, etc. Obviously there is glazing present for the north sun as well as in general. The use of steel framing is the only method to create such shapes. Like the Concert hall, it’s a structural nightmare, so architects are using structural methods to compliment there design, ie. exposed steel, concrete.
Also, you must remember this is an Urban environment, meaning Urban Design. City requirements are much different, and pretty sure LA wouldn’t approve anything less than aesthetically spectacular. Especially to compliment Frank Ghery’s Disney concert Hall.
I’d say this is a sure design for the future. I’ve seen this in person, and great work of art. After all, architecture is a form of artwork.
March 27th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
On this site, why are people praising a design for earning LEED certification? When a corporation can get LEED points for installing 10 plasma screen TV’s in their building, running constantly, educating the building’s users about how ‘green’ the building is; when David Adjaye has to “dumb down” his designs to earn LEED certification in the US; when a negative net carbon use housing complex in Germany does not earn LEED certification; LEED is a terrible rating system, and as it becomes more popular, it also becomes more obscure, with different ratings for different building types, etc.
March 29th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
What kid wouldn’t want to go to school in a concrete prison with a lovely guard tower overlooking the freeway?
May 15th, 2009 at 3:41 am
I think this HS is amazing i went to a tour and loved it. It has classes that focus on not only the needs but wants of students. They understand that students can have a career as a musician, Actor, dancer, painter. it really makes students to use their imagination.
May 24th, 2009 at 3:21 am
OMG..
im applying for this school..
its a great school..
i really want to get accepted..
im very talented in many ways..
so i hope i get to show it off when i get to b attending this school..
=]]
June 6th, 2009 at 1:37 am
WOOOW this school is tight! dayum i wish i could go there! i need to talk to my mom. i wanna be famous dancer but i know i aint gonna make a lot of money. my mom says i need to do something else so i can earn more money and have a career, because i am not stupid and i have straight “A”s in my report card!
but i really want to change my school, cuz it’s GAY! i go to Helen Bernstein High School. OMG i hate that school! it’s my JAIL!
June 16th, 2009 at 5:54 am
People seem to give off a discontented vibe in these comments…
Well, I think this is a great school, especially of the fact that I got accepted to it too.
I’m going for visual arts and I’m optimistic about showing my still life to them. I actually drew an optional mascot, and chose gold and black as our school colors. To my opinion, black represents strength and gold represents beauty.
I have a feeling most of the people joining this school are girls since it’s all about singing, music, art, acting, and dancing. I hope the guys are well-figured, too. ;]
I’m also hoping to go for yearbook and taking important leadership roles in my academy like becoming president and such.
June 16th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
how do u get into this high school?
June 21st, 2009 at 6:23 pm
i’m going to this school next year, pursuing in the Acting Academy, next year. I honestly dont see the point of un-artistic people judging this school because you wuld have to be an artisit to understnad. this school is all around great. and for those who keep asking what the big spiral is for, if that even matters, its to show the Art students that we have to reach for success, soar to new hieghts.
June 24th, 2009 at 1:05 am
i’m going to this school next year also in the Music Academy, and so is my brother. James Lewis, what grade?
June 25th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
i just got accepted to this wonderful school!!
June 26th, 2009 at 6:13 am
Yay im really excited to be going to that school..
I got accepted already!
and I passed by it the other day..and wow.!
Its amazing.. and i’ll defenetly be wanting to wake up everyday to go to school.!!
July 1st, 2009 at 4:30 am
how could i get in this school. i already send my letter and my application since may and i still haven’t gotten accepted. contact me at adreeydavila@yahoo.com
July 4th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Wow , everyone got accepted , auditions are next thursday(theater) im so happy
.
I know its going to be better than Hamilton Music academy forsure .
Cant wait to see everyone . people going should email me.
Daijahnh@gmail.com
July 6th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Wow, i am soo excited! i got accpeted on friday.
Im going into 9th and im in the visual arts academy for photography!
works shops tomorrow! imma be able to go there with my 3 best friend s.
this school is da best!
July 7th, 2009 at 6:12 am
I have no idea how the building ‘ functions ‘ but the form is stunning !
I am curious how the building will impact the aesthetic philosophies of
the students. I’d feel special to be a student of this school
July 13th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
in regards to the library, yes it looks small but that’s cause it is a circle. if you step back a little from all this “hate the new art school” you’ll see it is as big as any other library in any other school. it is high time all you haters stop and realize that the school is there, is staying there, and that ,believe it or not, people (including myself) are actually excited to be going to the new art school. come on grow up.
July 22nd, 2009 at 6:50 am
I got a tour of this school last summer when I was an intern at Gensler. There was a mayor flaw in the design that I think may bring many complaints over time. The abundance of metallic surfaces and light colored concrete added to the lack of green space made the courtyards extremely difficult to inhabit! Why? Because all that wonderful Californian sunshine was being reflected back at us from all the surrounding buildings then enhanced by the lightness of the ground. I was one of the few unfortunate ones who happened not to bring sunglasses… it really was the only way you could stand the brightness of this space.. I ended up with a headache and strained eyes. I really can’t imagine students, faculty and staff enjoying much of these courtyards unless they are allowed to bring sunglasses. Anyways, beyond the fact that all that open space is extremely straining on the eyes, the classrooms were actually very well designed. Not to mentioned an amazing library and a theater. Great classrooms, horrible courtyards.. I suppose is a good school.
August 28th, 2009 at 12:33 am
Dude I can’t wait to go here .yes sunglasses are a must . Which I’m glad to have bought everycolor ràybans they had . Thank god its notin the dirty downtown . I would be scared to park my car there. Well see everyone september 9th
August 28th, 2009 at 6:49 am
wooo lot of negativity and yea hwell im going tommorow hopefully i get acepted see you guys there hopefully
August 29th, 2009 at 3:46 am
hey britney i know you dont know me but wat grade are you going to cause im also going to this school
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
the glitzy photos on the various “design” websites carefully avoid what’s all too obvious when this site is seen in person – this place – artfully designed & conceived – is LA’s first country club prison – It has a shockingly strong Iron Curtain feeling and tone through-out the entire site – were it not for some bits of artful geometery sprinkled here and there amounfg the buildings, this site could be in Poland or eastern Eurpoe circa 1949…it’s another extravagent waste of tax-payer funding on a design that goes completely in the wrong direction…Education should not be taught behind steel gates, in concrete tombs or behind iron bars…
September 4th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
OMG. school starts on wednesday!! =]]
September 27th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
i love going to this school..
im in the dance academy!!
<33
October 19th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
As a Los Angeles resident, I find this building unfortunate. The pictures fail to convey the discordant / schizophrenic quality of the place. It is like several designs mashed together, trying too hard to mix shapes and finishes, never settling on a cohesive plan. High concept in a way that will ultimately look dated, expressing the worst and not the best of contemporary design. It does serve as an interesting counterpoint to the Disney Concert Hall down the street – illustrating the positive aspects of the latter, and how modern design still requires some aesthetic sense and is more than the random combination of shapes with shiny surfaces.
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:25 am
your all wrong my kids love it there and the school and kids make huge comitments on how to keep it clean don’t say anything about it because you dont know anything.
October 31st, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Enough about the structure of the school, Over all how is the school academically? How are the teachers? My soon is gifted in the visual art, Is this a good school? Any parnents please respond. Thank you.
October 31st, 2009 at 10:48 pm
eu queria saber se essa escola é paga?
por favor me respondam,estou muito interessada.
obs:falo de Brasil,Maceió-AL