Irvine Valley College Outdoor Classroom

Irvine, Ca. 
Berliner Architects

In response to the COVID pandemic Irvine Valley College commissioned the design of two state of the art outdoor classrooms in the heart of high tech Orange County.  Working with Berliner Architects OotDL developed a native and climate adapted landscape for two distinct environments, a traditional space with permanent canopies and a Grove Classroom shaded by mature oaks and sycamores.  Native California species provide a living laboratory for the campus science and anthropology programs.  Stormwater is filtered with bio swales before entering the campus infrastructure.  All irrigation on this campus utilizes recycled water. This project included the sourcing and planting of large specimen trees requiring close coordination with project paving utilities and drainage. This project was reviewed and approved by the Division of State Architect.