Benson Polytechnic High School

BENSON POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL

portland, Oregon

CLIENT

Portland Public Schools

size

xx,xxx sf

YEAR

2024

This project meticulously restored the historic Benson campus buildings while adding modern structures for enhanced innovation and space utilization. The modernization focused on the 1916 main classroom building, the 1917 foundry, the 1927 gym, and the 1930 auditorium, including comprehensive facade restoration, seismic and envelope upgrades, and roofing replacements. Bassetti was the prime architect, with consultants including structural, mechanical, acoustic, envelope, and cost estimating.

The modernization of Benson Polytechnic High School focuses on enhancing athletics, recreation spaces, dining areas, exhibit spaces, and libraries, all with sustainability and indoor environmental quality in mind. The project incorporates advanced technology and reconfigured learning spaces to create a dynamic and collaborative educational environment. Comprehensive site planning improves aesthetics and functionality with pedestrian-friendly pathways, green spaces, and sustainable infrastructure, complemented by a new wayfinding and signage system for better navigation and accessibility.

Bassetti spearheaded an integrated effort that successfully exceeded the district’s goal, achieving LEED Gold certification for the renovation. This includes rehabilitating the historic 1917 main classroom building, the 1925 gym, and the 1929 auditorium. The design focuses on modernizing learning spaces while prioritizing sustainability and historic preservation. All wood and steel windows were meticulously restored, with sashes cataloged and frames repainted, while low-profile interior storm windows are added to enhance thermal comfort.

As a polytechnic education facility, there are many energy-intensive programs housed within the school, including large workshop and fabrication spaces, a metal foundry, and a radio station. These are particularly challenging spaces in which to achieve energy efficiency. An integrated design charrette at the start of the project set goals and strategies for sustainability and high performance

Integrated into the fabric of Portland’s Northeast corner, the design takes full advantage of its urban location by providing covered and secure bicycle parking, reduced parking capacity, and charging for electric vehicles. On site - vegetation, shading, and highly reflective roof coatings work to reduce the heat island effect. Exterior lighting is designed to prevent light pollution and is 'dark sky' compliant.  

Optimal daylight was a high priority for the project design. Daylight analyses were performed at each milestone and the design was refined based on the results. Photovoltaic (PV) panels were integrated into the building’s exterior shading system to shield classrooms from direct sun. Outdoor learning spaces and daylit classrooms promote connections to the outdoors and provide health and cognitive benefits to students and teachers. 

Benson Polytechnic features state of the art career-technical education [CTE] classrooms designed to be adaptable to future industry needs..