University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication

“Once again, we must rely on our tradition of transformation as we lean into a new era of deep purpose and boundless creativity. We must continue to ensure our physical spaces align with our intellectual mission for this school to flourish.” – Wallis Annenberg Chairman, President, and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation

Founded in 1971, the USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism is one of the top programs of its kind in the country. After the school’s recent expansion into the new Wallis Annenberg Hall, USC saw an opportunity to renovate its original School of Communication building (ASC) in order to improve outdated technology and infrastructure to better match the caliber of the school’s ambitions and fulfill ASC’s role as a dynamic hub that furthers the research and success of its students and faculty.

Originally designed in 1976 by renowned modernist architect A. Quincy Jones and designated as a historical/cultural monument by the Los Angeles City Council, ASC’s renovation is just as much about preserving the past as it is building for the future. FF&P’s expertise in rehabilitating Jones’ work made us a natural choice to refresh this sensitive and vital facility.

The renovation’s main objective was to reflect and reinforce Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism’s value of collaboration, innovation, and versatility. These priorities drive the proposed transformations of several signature spaces – the West Lobby, East Lobby, classrooms, a second-floor terrace, and an auditorium – all of which enable cross-pollination between communication and journalism students.