Playa Vista Elementary School was recently honored by the Los Angeles Business Council, winning the “Green Building” award at the organization’s annual architectural awards.
The school, which has a partnership with the LMU School of Education, was lauded for its eco-friendly design, which LMU officials helped craft during the design and construction phase of its facilities.
“This is a great honor for Playa Vista Elementary School and recognition of LMU’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the community and Los Angeles Unified,” said Shane Martin, dean of the School of Education. “Our collaboration with PVES shows how successful educational partnerships can make a difference in the lives of our community’s children.”
As part of the school’s unique partnership, School of Education faculty provide research-based teaching methods, best practices, and professional development for the school. The LMU Center for Urban Resilience provides environmental curricula tied to the nearby Ballona Creek watershed.
The university has also provided funding for textbooks, classroom technology, and volunteers to work with students in science labs.
Martin and other LMU faculty and staff met regularly with the design team prior to completion of the school. Several of their ideas are reflected in the architecture, such as the open classroom ceilings, whose exposed pipes and cables can be used as a learning tool.
The school facility achieved a LEED Platinum rating, and includes many “green” features, including a geothermal and solar-equipped energy system.
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