Puente Learning Center New Classrooms

Client: Puente Learning Center

Scope: Addition

Size: 5,200 SF

Completion: In Progress

Project Manager: Richard Berliner, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, ALEP

Since 1985, Puente Learning has sought to enrich the neighborhoods of South and East Los Angeles by providing educational programs for both children and adults. While the Learning Center’s primary focus is adult education—particularly English-language proficiency for Spanish speakers—it also offers an extensive range of programs for youth. Along with SAT prep courses for high school students and after school enrichment for children ages 7 and up, Puente operates a preschool and charter kindergarten.

In order to expand and update Puente’s preschool and kindergarten programs, Berliner has been commissioned to design two new classrooms. These new rooms are additions to an existing 40,000 SF building designed by Stephen Woolley & Associates in 1995, which has received numerous awards and the praise of students and neighbors alike; rather than blending discreetly with the existing structure, Berliner’s curvilinear, fully glazed additions will complement its original typology while simultaneously providing bright, contemporary learning spaces for the Learning Center’s youngest students.