Spaces for Gathering, Learning and Performance: New Auditoria for LAUSD

Originally designed in the 1920s and 1930s, North Hollywood High School features historical Spanish revival buildings designed by notable California architect Myron Hunt. As part of this campus modernization project, CO preserved features of the high school’s heritage while updating spaces to best serve the needs of today’s high school students. In addition to a new 802-seat auditorium, this multi-phased project includes seismic upgrades and renovations of 100,000 SF of existing space. New construction includes a classroom building, gymnasium, and specialized learning space for the arts, robotics, ceramics, video production, auto repair, woodworking and agricultural education.

CO is also working on a multi-phased project at John H. Francis Polytechnic Senior High School (Poly High School). Originally built in 1957, this modernization transforms the campus to support modern learning. New educational facilities include science instruction classrooms, media facilities, a gymnasium, an administration building, a cafeteria building and a new library. A 795-seat auditorium is nearing completion, which will provide students with a high-tech space for performance, assembly and shared campus events.

A Multi-Purpose Learning & Performance Space

Unlike dedicated professional performing arts centers, high school auditoria must support a wide range of uses. These spaces may host assemblies, theater productions, choral and orchestra performances, film presentations and ceremonies. Each function brings its own spatial, technical and acoustical requirements. At both schools, CO carefully balanced the need to accommodate large audiences while ensuring there is a strong connection to the performers. Seating layouts, stage proportions and room geometry were all optimized to support clear sightlines and create an engaging experience from every seat. Even the furthest seats are positioned within a distance that preserves a strong sense of connection to the action on stage.

At Poly High School, adjustable acoustic drapery is concealed behind wood slats, allowing the room’s acoustic environment to be fine-tuned without disrupting the visual character of the space or causing distractions in the audience. This approach supports both performance quality and architectural clarity.

The design also considers visual acoustics – the way the visual qualities of a space can influence how sound is perceived. At Poly High School, natural wood on the walls and ceiling creates a sense of warmth that complements the auditory experience and shapes how sound is perceived. Dark cloth seating provides balance.

At North Hollywood High School, cooler wall tones reflect the school’s colors and are paired with curving plaster and wood wall and ceiling elements to absorb, reflect and diffuse sound. Wood seating also helps to create a balanced acoustic environment and a welcoming space.

Design Elements that Support Student Experience

The auditoria are designed not only as venues, but also as places of learning. At both schools, CO strategically planned the circulation, technical access and support spaces to create opportunities for hands-on student engagement.

One notable feature is the centrally located sound mixing booth at North Hollywood High School. While this configuration is not always used because it occupies the audience seating area, it provides an optimal position for sound control and offers students a valuable opportunity to learn from within the heart of the acoustic environment.

Dedicated tech stairs provide safe and efficient access to all levels of the auditorium. This feature allows students and staff to move easily between the stage, tech galleries, catwalks, gridiron and the roof, supporting both operations and technical theater education. It provides students with an easily accessible, hands-on opportunity to learn about the different spaces in the auditorium.