Vancouver iTech Preparatory

iTech is home to Vancouver Public Schools' early college, "School of Choice," STEM-focused program. The 77,600 sf facitily serves up to 700 students in grades 6 through 12 and is conveniently located at the east enrance of Washington State University-Vancouver. This allows iTech students to attend college classes and connect with mentors from both institutions.

iTech is a unique learning environment where students study using integrated methods, project based approaches, collaboration and technology. These components are reflected throught the design and in the building's story. Each of the spaces connects through a grand central area for presentation and events - areas to showcase students work and put the unique iTech "process on display"

The use of exposed mass timber is featured prominently in the lab spaces and other strategic locations, which harmonize the natural elements oustide with the interior space. and the overall building design helped maximize natural daylighting levels and views of the buildings surrounding nature. Mass timber's inherent biophilic nature helps to promote wellness and physical/mental health within the learning environment, and the cross-laminated timber panels also helped with the team's sustainability goals by reducing the embodied carbon of the building.