Culture Qualifications

LA Trade-Tech College, Liberal Arts Theater & Entertainment Center

Los Angeles, CA

Renovation 20,000 SF TYPE: SIZE: ACCREDITATION:

Designed to meet LEED Silver

The firm provided full mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection consulting engineering services for this project. The original building was built in the 1920s. This project includes the renovation of the 1,500-seat auditorium and support areas plus an additional new 20,000 square feet. The engineering includes special attention paid to acoustics, energy, and lighting. A heat recovery run around coil is included for enhanced energy efficiency. Several life cycle cost analyses were conducted to examine LEED options such as photovoltaics, water versus air-cooled chillers, new chillers versus expansion of an existing central plant, and thermal storage. It was determined that thermal storage offered the best life cycle cost, however, with the existing central plant not complete, it was decided that it would be less expensive to expand the existing central plant. The project was designed to a minimum of LEED Silver standards and is expected to exceed Title 24 by 20%.