This walking tour of Portland Public Schools’ new Lincoln High School will allow attendees to explore the modern learning environment of the only high-rise school on the West Coast and a unique high school located in Portland’s downtown core. Starting at the main entry, participants will walk through the main office and then the Commons, which seats over 400 students, in addition to covered outdoor seating outside the large, field-facing windows. The Commons’ location as a crossroads, proximate to gym, theater, media center, and main stairs, serves as the heart to the school, bringing together students of different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and creating a profound change in the school culture. After visiting the 500-seat theater, the group will view the second-floor Gymnasium, then taking one of the two glass-enclosed staircases to the 6th floor. From this top level, attendees will visit the art and science classrooms while taking in views of downtown Portland and the student flex spaces on each floor.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain insight into the challenges of designing and building an urban high-rise school.
2. Understand, using specific examples, the benefits and challenges of early design assistance with the contractor and their subconsultants, and review the split permit strategy used by the team to achieve the owner's desired schedule.
3. Learn the challenges of building on an urban site with poor sub-soil, including a still-active creek. The opportunity to re-imagine the school Commons (cafeteria) to bring students together through shared meals.

Architect of Record: Bora Architecture and Interiors
Landscape Architect: Mayer | Reed
Structural Engineer: KPFF
Electrical Engineer: Interface Engineering
Civil Engineer: Harper Houf Peterson Righellis, Inc (HHPR)
Contractor: Hoffman/Pacificmark
Specialized Consultants: Acoustical – Greenbusch; Lighting – O-; Theater – Shalleck; Cost – RLB
Owner: Portland Public Schools