East Los Angeles College (ELAC) has completed work on a $55-million expansion of its campus in Monterey Park.
The Arts and Humanities Building, designed by the architecture and engineering firm HGA, consists of a five-story structure featuring classrooms, offices, and language learning labs. It is divided into two separate wings by an open-air courtyard which also serves as a main entrance and vertical circulation point.
Located near the heart of the ELAC campus, the building incorporates a exterior plaza at the front of the building which weaves into a central quad. The plaza is lined with drought-friendly landscaping, providing a connection to the nature in the midst of a predominantly hardscape environment.
The project, which has achieved LEED Gold certification, is equipped with numerous green features including solar shading, water-efficient landscaping and natural ventilation.
