Franklin High School Modernization
IBI Group designed the master plan for the modernization of Franklin High School, integrating next generation learning environments with state-of-the-art career and technical education facilities.
Client
Portland Public SchoolsLocation
Portland, ORRe-imagining classroom learning at Franklin High School
First built in 1915 and modeled after Colonial Revival architecture, Franklin High School underwent a complete reconfiguration to update the existing learning spaces with a focus on balancing modern learning environments and historic preservation.
IBI Group undertook extensive community participation, holding bi-weekly meetings with a representative Design Advisory Committee (students, teachers, board representatives, staff, community and parents), a series of open community design workshops, and meetings with the student body, teachers and staff, incorporating stakeholder feedback into the design of the master plan.
While the general façade and feel of the colonial-style building has been renewed and preserved, the interior of the school has been completely redesigned and repurposed. Additional buildings have been added to the extensive campus, with newly-designed classrooms allowing for collaboration, connectivity and project-based learning. Updates to the school’s learning spaces focus on indoor environmental quality, sustainability, and preservation of the historic character.
The modernization of Franklin High School is a significant step in the re-imagining of Portland Public Schools’ facilities into next generation learning environments with state-of-the-art career and technical education and athletic facilities.
Services and Project Types
Learning+
A new generation of minds is reshaping the way we approach education at all levels of learning.
Project Leaders
Jonathan Steel
Associate Director | Office Lead, Portland
Portland, OR
Jonathan Steel serves as the Operations Director for our Portland office. Jonathan is an educational architect with over 15 years of experience in the design and construction of major K-12 and higher education facilities. He has worked with our global education team for over ten years. Jonathan has designed buildings for some of the most prestigious educational institutions globally, including three projects for Oxford University. He brings strong experience in business and personnel management to our Portland team, having built successful practices on both sides of the Atlantic during his career. He is the current President of the Alberta Chapter of A4LE and has presented at conferences for the past several years.