Uploaded December 2020 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
The design of a home’s site, including how it’s laid out, orientation to the sun, shading structures like buildings and trees, and more, is critically important in terms of power savings but often overlooked. Site design affects home energy costs by reducing cooling and heating demand. Site design factors include: location of trees; exterior awnings and canopies; color of roof and walls, cross ventilation opportunities; attic insulation; and water features.
With us today is Marcela Oliva, Professor of Architecture and Green Design at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.
Marcela is the lead for Mayor Garcetti’s Workforce Initiative for the Green New Deal for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry Cluster – Careers by Design LA. She is also the founder of UCLA Extension Courses, including Transforming Community and Design for Social Justice. For 10 years she was the Knowledge Architect for the 9 Billion Building Program of the Los Angeles Community College District.
The design of a home’s site, including how it’s laid out, orientation to the sun, shading structures like buildings and trees, and more, is critically important in terms of power savings but often overlooked. Site design affects home energy costs by reducing cooling and heating demand. Site design factors include: location of trees; exterior awnings and canopies; color of roof and walls, cross ventilation opportunities; attic insulation; and water features.
With us today is Marcela Oliva, Professor of Architecture and Green Design at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.
Marcela is the lead for Mayor Garcetti’s Workforce Initiative for the Green New Deal for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry Cluster – Careers by Design LA. She is also the founder of UCLA Extension Courses, including Transforming Community and Design for Social Justice. For 10 years she was the Knowledge Architect for the 9 Billion Building Program of the Los Angeles Community College District.
