New Bethel High School

New Bethel

High School

a community-driven design initiative focused on creating inclusive, adaptable learning environments that foster connection and engagement.

#Architecture

My Role

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.

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.

A report has been developed through meetings, interviews and correspondence with representatives of various user groups within the School District and community This process was inclusive in its effort to elicit input from the many different individuals and groups considered “stakeholders” in the project Included were representatives from the Bethel School District, administrators and staff from the existing high school and other District high schools, technology, maintenance, and facilities staff, and students.

Both qualitative and quantitative, this section describes the goals and objectives of each department and area, delineates specific area requirements, planned usage and other requirements and considerations

Community Data

About 1,000 of students have joined the district within the last two years.

Site Analysis

A wide open, sloping site with extensive wetlands and stunning views of Mt Rainier

Programmatic Relationships

Programmatic Relationships General building considerations and programmatic departmental 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.

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