This project began as an open design competition won by ArchiGlobal. The biggest challenge in planning was the site itself, which was located on dry retention ponds within the university’s 80-hectare mountainous property in Talamban. The designers met this challenge head on by utilizing these natural features - instead of viewing them as obstacles - in creating natural mound amphitheaters and central green areas which became integral parts of the building.
Ramps, ramps, ramps
The design of the Senior High building made use of ramps - an outstanding feature in many of USC’s existing buildings - as a basic design element both functionally and in the building form. The open design allows cross-ventilation as well as visual connectedness between classrooms. The structure also features such green building elements as greens walls, solar power and re-usable structural building materials.
