Saddleback High School, The Paseo

Santa Ana, California

Firm

Ruhnau Clarke Architects

Client

Santa Ana Unified School District

Area

12,535 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$8,400,000

Completion Date

05/2021

Ruhnau Clarke Architects

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The existing cafeteria at Saddleback High School was crowded and uncomfortable for students, contributing to various social problems at the campus. The goal was to not only upgrade the kitchen and better prepare and serve healthful meals, but also create an environment that would contribute to peaceful student gathering and promote social emotional wellness in an inspiring and user-centric facility.

Hexagon shapes reminiscent of campuswide graphics were incorporated into lighting fixtures, and vibrant colors inspired by vegetables and farmers markets were unleashed in a space originally void of color. Visual textures through flooring patterns and acoustical ceiling blades serve as a nod to meandering paths in orange groves and integrate the building with the overall campus fabric and the community. To transform the space into a fresh social gathering spot for students and teachers, food science is celebrated through custom graphics and a branded name, The Paseo. Flexible seating options give students the opportunity to gather in a variety of scaled settings, from more intimate nooks to larger mobile tables.