The upper school science building was completed in September 2011. The new 15,000 SF structure is composite construction with poured-in-place concrete at the ground level, structural steel frame, and wood framing and wood shear walls in select areas. The program includes science labs, prep/research labs, science classrooms, a study hall, offices and accessory functions. The five upper school laboratories includes four 1,500 SF chemistry and biology labs and one 1,200 SF physics lab. The labs integrate state-of-the-art technology such as Wi-Fi, lap-top computers at every workstation, interactive white boards, numerous fume hoods and fully equipped laboratory fixtures. The total project budget was $10,000,000.
The study hall has salt and freshwater aquariums replicating conditions in Lake Malawi in Africa and the Amazon basin. A third tank demonstrates the ocean’s filtration system. The saltwater tanks house plants and grasses, soft, hard and spiny corals and reefs, and various forms of sea life. Classes will study the growth of saltwater reefs, symbiotic relationships among varying marine life and research trophic levels in each aquarium. The school harvests and sells the coral to offset the upkeep and maintenance.
In response to the neighborhood context, the building is designed so that the ground floor is located one level below the street. The site was excavated entirely and the building set below the perimeter elevation. A courtyard on the south and a light well/garden to the north of the ground floor allows for every room to have windows for air and natural light. The first floor is locate at street level thus providing a height and profile that fits comfortably with the adjacent residences and condominiums on Orange Grove Boulevard, and allows for the units of the multi-story condominium to the south retain their view of the San Gabriel mountains.
Tthe building reflects the increasing demand for science courses at the all-girl student campus. But the facility is much more than a place that houses the upper school science curriculum. As noted by Head of School Elizabeth McGregor, “The building itself is a classroom.” Westridge School has utilized the sustainable features of the building to enhance the learning experience. These features include photovoltaic panels along the balcony rail and on the main roof, accessible green roof adjacent to the central walkway at the main level, a composting area in the front garden, and solar water heating. The school worked with the commissioning agent and sustainability consultant to develop a curriculum in sustainable education. For example, the building is equipped with exterior experimentation area that allows students to record and analyze the growth of sedum and other succulents and monitor energy transfer in real time. Comparative experiments can occur between the vegetation covered roof and two other roof types on the project. Similarly, students can track energy output from the PV panels in real time. As noted by math and science teacher Dr. Tracey Tromp, “The building shows us that we can live in an environmentally conscious way. Building as a teaching tool – this is visionary stuff.” |
