LAUSD Outdoor Learning Environments Design Guidelines 

Los Angeles, Ca. 
Berliner Architects/SMMUSD

OotDL worked with Berliner Architects and LAUSD Facilities Services Division staff to create flexible templates for outdoor learning spaces across the district serving the needs of instructors and students.  Six types of spaces from fairly typical classrooms with tables and benches to native gardens and micro forest are all anchored by a ‘core’ workstation with sinks, counter space and storage, have been designed to DSA standards.  Landscape guidelines for the OLEs include details for permeable paving, large canopy shade trees, blackboard signage, wifi and expanded native and adapted plant palettes. All typologies provide significant shade with either fabric canopies, or large shade trees to ensure spaces will be cooler in extreme heat conditions.