Reimagining Da Vinci Hall for Art and Technology at Los Angeles City College
Built in the late 1960s, Da Vinci Hall at Los Angeles City College was no longer meeting the needs of its students and faculty. Outdated infrastructure and limited flexibility constrained the art department’s ability to adapt to new pedagogical models and integrate emerging technologies. HED partnered with the College to reimagine the building, creating a modern academic environment that supports collaboration across disciplines while honoring the building’s place within the historic campus quad.
Programming workshops with faculty and staff shaped the foundation of the redesign. Together, the team evaluated how space could best serve a wide variety of programs, including art and architecture, journalism, photography, computer applications, office technology, and general education. Administrative offices, support spaces, and an art gallery were also incorporated, ensuring that the building could act as both an academic hub and a cultural resource for the College community.
Flexibility and technology integration were central goals. State-of-the-art systems were introduced into active learning classrooms and art labs, enabling students and faculty to experiment with different configurations and approaches. Clerestory window walls bring generous amounts of natural light into these spaces, creating bright, inspiring environments for learning and making.
Displaying art was a shared priority for both faculty and students. The design team created opportunities throughout the building to showcase creative work, from informal display cases to a dedicated gallery. The gallery itself serves as a curated event space, hosting student projects and invited artist exhibitions. By providing venues for art to be seen in multiple contexts, the building reinforces the value of creativity while encouraging dialogue across disciplines.
Sustainability was also a critical consideration. The design introduced new double-glazed window systems to improve energy efficiency and maximize daylighting, while new mechanical and plumbing systems were selected to balance performance with life-cycle cost. These upgrades ensure that the building operates responsibly while providing comfort and reliability for its users.
Architecturally, Da Vinci Hall was given a modernized aesthetic that still respects the context of the historic campus quad. The building’s horizontal slab edges remain a defining feature, complemented by updated materials and detailing that provide a refreshed yet cohesive appearance.
The revitalized Da Vinci Hall is now a hub for interdisciplinary learning and creative expression. By combining flexible classrooms, advanced technology, inspiring gallery space, and sustainable systems, HED helped Los Angeles City College transform a mid-century building into a facility that supports contemporary pedagogy and celebrates the role of art in education.
