LPA Design Studios’ civil engineering team was recently recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers, Orange County Branch (ASCE OC) with the 2022 Outstanding Sustainable Engineering Project of the Year Award for its work on a two-story STEM facility for Villa Park High School and sitework.
The civil and landscape design for the Villa Park High School Science Center restores the natural environment on the site, which formerly housed a one-story classroom building. The design addresses downstream flooding on the site and adjacent city-owned properties by the City of Villa Park using Low Impact Development (LID) strategies to mimic the site’s predevelopment hydrology, minimizing disturbed areas and impervious cover, and infiltrating, storing, detaining and treating storm water runoff on site. Large bioretention planter areas adjacent to the new building and parking lot treat stormwater and attenuate post-construction flow rates using natural processes.
LPA Civil Engineering Team Earns ASCE-OC Award for High School STEM Building Design
The Villa Park High School Center is a great example of civil engineers and landscape architects working together in an integrated team to solve problems.
“The Villa Park High School Center is a great example of civil engineers and landscape architects working together in an integrated team to solve problems,” says Principal and LPA Director of Civil Engineering Kathereen Shinkai, PE, F.ASCE. “We were able to restore the site and create a natural and creative design for handling stormwater for the campus.”
The design emphasizes ecological stewardship throughout the site. The stormwater system serves as an educational tool, with signage drawing attention to the importance of preserving and restoring waterways. Seating near the bioretention basin creates environments for outdoor learning. Drought-resistant, native Southern California plantings address water security while exposing students to natural processes and contributing to their mental well-being.
The ASCE’s annual awards recognize Orange County projects for achievements in civil engineering and are celebrated annually at the ASCE Orange County Branch Awards Dinner. Winning projects are automatically nominated for the LA Section Award.
