Each year, the Orange County chapter of the American Institute of Architects holds their own Design Awards, recognizing the best that the region's designers have to offer. This year, we are thrilled to announce that Berliner has been awarded for our work on Magnolia Santa Ana! We would like to thank the AIAOC for the honor of being nominated alongside some of the greatest new projects in the county, as well as our project team and Magnolia Public Schools for making this possible.
The AIA OC Jury admired how Berliner was able to do a lot with a whole set of constraints, including budget and program. The clever use of color to differentiate space was very sucessful and they noted how the double loadede corridor plan was used to an advantage, creating opportunities for relief along the length of the plan. The jury felt the elevating design for these kinds of projects is important to our profession, and to society as a whole.
Berliner Architects provided master planning and design services for Magnolia Public School’s Pacific Technology School in Santa Ana, California. The two-story, K-12 school now houses 750 students in 34 classrooms. The design incorporates standard classrooms, lab classrooms, administration areas, a multi-purpose room and gymnasium.
With separate entrances for the upper and lower schools, the design allows for the older and younger students to enjoy spaces independent of one another. Interior glass optimizes an open learning environment that builds a sense of community and connection.