#Architecture
Researcher, Designer, Job Captain, Model Manager
Team
NAC Architecture
Scope
Pre-Design to Construction Documentation
Timeline
2 Years, Under Construction right now
Client
Bethel High School
On December 11, 2018, the School Board adopted Bond Resolution No 4 (18-19) which authorized the administration to run a bond issue in the amount of $443,000,000 for school construction and improvements. The proposition authorized the District to construct a new 250,000 SF high school to replace Bethel High School. The District conducted interviews for architects on October 22, 2018 NAC Architecture was selected to design the new replacement Bethel High School An Executive Design Committee was selected to participate in the visioning and design process.
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Highlights
Comprehensive Project Involvement – Participated in every phase, from initial concept to final design.
Community Engagement – Collaborated directly with students, teachers, and community members to understand their needs and aspirations.
Flexible Design Process – Adapted to evolving project requirements at each phase for a tailored solution.
Inclusive and Sustainable Design – Focused on equity, accessibility, and environmental integration.
Modern Learning Spaces – Created adaptable academic, athletic, and community areas to support diverse teaching and learning styles.
Connection to Nature – Designed with views of Mt. Rainier and preserved surrounding wetlands, enhancing the school’s connection to the environment
Cultural Integration – Honored the school's rich traditions while fostering innovation and a sense of unity.
The Background
What did we know…
The Bethel High School project began with the goal of replacing the aging existing campus, built in 1952, to accommodate the district's growing and diversifying population.
What was the goal?
The new facility is designed to serve 1,800 students and 125 staff members while embracing inclusivity, sustainability, and modern teaching modalities. The vision emphasizes creating a safe, community-focused environment that reflects the school's rich history and traditions.
The Research
The research phase involved:
Community and Historical Insights: Gathering feedback on the school's traditions and role within the district. Key themes included connectedness and togetherness.
Site and Educational Needs Analysis: Examining existing facilities, future growth needs, and the impact of demographic shifts.
User-Centric Studies: Observing classrooms, shadowing students and teachers, and identifying challenges in the current environment.
Precedent Studies: Touring other schools to gather inspiration and identify best practices.
Community Data
About 1,000 of students have joined the district within the last two years.
Site Analysis
Programmatic Relationships
Define
The research identified several challenges and opportunities:
Aging infrastructure with outdated spaces and limited functionality.
A need for inclusive, flexible learning environments supporting diverse teaching styles.
Importance of honoring the community’s traditions while promoting innovation.
Design drivers such as safety, environmental integration, and the inclusion of underrepresented student groups.
The design vision centered around "learning on display," inclusivity, and fostering a unified school culture.
Through collaborative workshops and stakeholder engagement:
Key Focus Areas: Flexible academic spaces, transparency, outdoor connectivity, and sustainable practices.
Power Words Identified: Unity, pride, community, and innovation.
Proposed Solutions: Multi-use spaces like the Commons, visible Career & Technical Education (CTE) areas, and adaptable classroom designs.
Design
The design prioritizes:
Inclusivity: Spaces for all genders and abilities, with a focus on equity.
Flexibility: Classrooms and labs designed for adaptability.
Community Integration: A welcoming, multifunctional facility with spaces like the Performing Arts Center and Media Center open to the public.
Environmental Harmony: A two-story layout preserving wetlands and framing views of Mt. Rainier.
Safety: Adherence to Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.
The final plan features 250,000 square feet of innovative spaces, including academic wings, athletic facilities, arts areas, and outdoor learning environments.
Reflection
Through this project, I had the invaluable opportunity to experience a project from concept to completion. I directly engaged with the community, listening to their needs and learning about their aspirations, which shaped the design process. The experience taught me the importance of being flexible and adaptive based on the phase of the project and responding effectively to the evolving requirements at each stage. This comprehensive involvement deepened my understanding of how thoughtful design can genuinely reflect and serve a community.