Garfield High School

San Diego, California

Firm

HMC Architects

Client

San Diego Unified School District

Area

265,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$11,000,000

Completion Date

09/1998

©Michael Campos

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The five-level high school and the adjacent parking structure are located on a sloping site on the City College campus in downtown San Diego. This unique location is the result of a joint-use agreement between the San Diego Unified School District and San Diego Community College District.
This agreement provides Garfield High School a site on the college campus in exchange for a much needed parking structure and the opportunity for the college to use the high-school classrooms for evening instruction. Students at Garfield High School also can attend college courses.
The buildings are configured in a U-shape around a central courtyard. The open end of this layout provides for spectacular views of the San Diego Bay and the Colorado Bridge. The school site is organized in direct response to program needs of access, security and supervision. Due to the sloping site, four of the school’s five levels are accessible without an elevator.
The main floor contains administration, counseling, nurse’s office, food service, and the multipurpose/gymnasium. The lower level below the multipurpose/gymnasium contains industrial arts. Floors two and three contain classrooms, and the fourth floor houses the library/media center.

Photographer: ©Michael Campos