Cool Common
Degree Project
Woodbury University | Instructor: Anthony Fontenot
Urban areas such as the San Fernando Valley, where much of the landscape is covered by concrete and asphalt, are often referred to as urban heat islands. The Santa Monica Mountains and Santa Ana winds ensure that Pierce College often experiences drier, hotter weather and lower precipitation than many other parts of the valley. The Pierce College campus, located in the heart of the valley, is centered on a stark pedestrian mall characterized by a lack of shade and the predominance of hardscape that negatively impacts its sense of place.
The goal of this project is to provide a new type of “cool common” for the community by utilizing passive strategies capable of significantly cooling the urban environment. Thermal walls, solar chimneys, below-grade courtyard gardens, and water systems are integrated into a new “cool common” space for students, staff, and faculty. Closely linked to its local environmental conditions, passive cooling plays a key role in transforming the mall into an ecologically responsible and low-carbon environment.
The topography at Pierce College affords expansive views of the San Fernando Valley and the distant San Gabriel Mountains. The agricultural nature of the campus allows uninterrupted views of the surrounding valley, creating a defining feature of the Pierce campus. Sparse vegetation and poor landscaping discourage people from lingering and enjoying the views of Woodland Hills.
Pierce College was conceived in the 1940s by Dr. Clarence W. Pierce, a physician, and surgeon who dreamt of a post-high school vocational agricultural program in Los Angeles. The first campus master plan was approved by the LA Board of Education in 1950.
The mall is the nucleus of social activities – the Business Office, Library, Bookstore, and Cafeteria all have adjacent outdoor spaces which form social areas for students to gather. However, the lack of adequate shading and the predominance of hardscape negatively impact the mall’s sense of place, making it less inviting to students.
Future development Is concentrated in the pedestrian core, preserving existing open space and allowing for responsible stewardship of the natural landscape. New buildings are designed two stories to increase energy efficiency and make better use of the land.
Building Orientation
North-facing Elevation helps to take advantage of indirect light.
self-shading design for south-facing windows minimize energy use.
Response to site
Preserving the existing tree in order to achieve optimal mass.
Openings
Creates a visual connection between mountains and nature.