E D U C A T I O N
S P O T L I G H T
New Academic Complex
Santa Monica High School expands with sustainable Discovery Building By Kamala Kirk anta Monica High School recently hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new Discovery Building. Architecture firm HED (Harley Ellis Devereaux), in collaboration with Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners, designed the new academic complex that has transformed the school’s North Campus. It has elevated educational, cultural and recreational pursuits; improved campus access and circulation, and supports whole child development and diverse learning styles. The five-story, 280,000-square-foot complex fosters social interactions and strengthens the sense of community on the campus. Wrapped around an openentry courtyard, the innovative structure is designed as an “open building” with a flexible open-column grid, raised floor and non-load bearing walls that can be reconfigured over time. The new complex is sustainable and flexible, featuring displacement ventilation, photovoltaic and solar thermal arrays, and a two-story living green wall. Outdoor classrooms, including a rooftop hydroponic garden and science classrooms, connect students with the natural world to support hands-on learning, while interior classrooms are organized around common spaces to build on a sense of belonging, identity and interconnectivity. Additional features include a publicly accessible 50-meter pool, a central kitchen and dining facility, medically fragile suite and labs, and parking.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL
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School board members, district leadership, Samohi administration and dignitaries at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Gail Pinsker, Santa Monica – Malibu Unified School District community and publications officer; Santa Monica Councilmember and Samohi alumni, Phil Brock; and Samohi Principal Dr. Antonio Shelton.
Senator Ben Allen, a Samohi alumni and current Santa Monica resident, spoke at the event. JANUARY 20, 2022 - EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT PAGE 9
