Benson Polytechnic High School

BENSON POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL

portland, Oregon

CLIENT

Portland Public Schools

size

379,000 sf

YEAR

2024

Awards

2025, Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Transformation Project Award
2025, Restore Oregon DeMuro Award
2025, Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Pinnacle Award
2025, Oregon Concrete and Aggregate Producers Association & Oregon Chapter of the American Concrete Institute, Excellence in Concrete, Repair and Restoration

Sustainability

LEED Platinum

At Benson Polytechnic High School, historic preservation and forward-looking educational design come together to support a modern, sustainable polytechnic campus. The modernization carefully restored the school’s landmark buildings while introducing new structures that enhance innovation and space utilization. Work included comprehensive façade restoration, seismic and building envelope upgrades, and roof replacements to preserve the character and longevity of the historic facilities.

Beyond preservation, the campus transformation improved athletics and recreation areas, dining and exhibit spaces, and library environments—each designed with sustainability and indoor environmental quality in mind. Advanced technology and reconfigured learning spaces support a dynamic, collaborative educational experience, while thoughtful site planning enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Pedestrian-friendly pathways, green spaces, sustainable infrastructure, and a new wayfinding and signage system improve campus navigation and accessibility.

Bassetti led an integrated effort that exceeded the district’s sustainability goals and achieved LEED Platinum certification. Key historic structures—including the 1917 main classroom building, the 1925 gymnasium, and the 1929 auditorium—were rehabilitated with a focus on modernizing learning environments while honoring their architectural legacy. Original wood and steel windows were meticulously restored, with sashes cataloged and frames repainted, and low-profile interior storm windows added to improve thermal comfort.

As a polytechnic campus, Benson houses many energy-intensive programs such as large workshop and fabrication spaces, a metal foundry, and a radio station—spaces that present unique challenges for energy efficiency. An integrated design charrette at the project’s outset established performance goals and sustainability strategies to guide the design process.

Responding to its urban Northeast Portland context, the design encourages sustainable transportation through covered, secure bicycle parking, reduced parking capacity, and electric vehicle charging. On-site vegetation, shading strategies, and highly reflective roof coatings help mitigate the heat island effect, while dark-sky–compliant exterior lighting minimizes light pollution.

Optimizing daylight was a key design priority. Daylight analyses were conducted at each project milestone, informing refinements throughout the process. Photovoltaic panels were integrated into exterior shading systems to protect classrooms from direct sun, while outdoor learning areas and daylit interiors strengthen connections to the natural environment and support the health and cognitive well-being of students and teachers.

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