Community Education Center

El Monte, California

Firm

Architecture for Education

Client

El Monte Union High School District

Area

1,620 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$667,358

Completion Date

12/2020

@RMA Architectural Photography

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El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) sought to proactively transform a storefront shell space within its existing district office building into the Community Education Center (CEC). The CEC was envisioned as an alternative education site for distance learning, collaboration, and community events. The design team drew inspiration from EMUHSD’s location between the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo Rivers, and incorporated an overarching theme of “Learning in Motion: Recharging enthusiasm for learning through collaboration.”

Just as the various elements of healthy water infrastructure promote recharging aquifers, the design of the CEC seeks to promote inspired fluidity and movement within the space.The design features three unique learning zones that correspond to the three porosities of the local geography: independent study, one-on-one workspace, and collaboration zone.
Each distinct zone is expressed through unifying conceptual and physical qualities, such as color, carpet patterns and finish selections. The CEC models future-ready learning environments of optimal collaboration, flexibility, and academic success for underserved communities—goals pivotal to our post-pandemic world.