RAISBECK AVIATION HIGH SCHOOL Tukwila, WA Building Gross Square Footage: 86,000 (including mechanical penthouse) Raisbeck Aviation High School (RAHS) is an innovative college preparatory school focusing on math and science. Operated by the Highline School District, RAHS accepts students from across the Puget Sound region and is the only aviation-themed public school in the country to share resources with an aerospace museum. The school s proximity to The Museum of Flight and the nearly 200 aviation-related businesses that surround Boeing Field affords students the opportunity to be inspired and informed by the region s aerospace leaders. The building design is driven by the school s relationship to the Museum and a desire to be as innovative and efficient as the aviation industry. The long rectangular footprint forms the northern edge of the Museum s future Commercial Aircraft Gallery. The requirements for moving the gallery airplanes set the limitations for the school s footprint. The building section, reminiscent of the leading edge of a plane wing, accommodates larger upper floor plates while minimizing the footprint. From every point in the building there is visual connection to the surrounding aviation industries. The building materials draw from the Museum campus vocabulary of taut metal skins and large expanses of glass. Down to the cable railings, hallway and classroom graphics, suspended airplane, and story boards of influential mentors this project is about aviation science as a learning pathway. The building places emphasis on spaces that encourage staff, students, and visiting professionals to interact. The beloved central stair is the place to be seen and mingle, and incorporates a number of inspirational pieces and honor awards. The breakout areas, included within each classroom wing, provide a brainstorming location with views and balconies overlooking the airport. Small conference rooms provide a space for the formal mentoring that is an integral part of the RAHS program. The building orientation maximizes the campus location and the use of natural light for energy efficiency. Sustainable strategies include energy usage reduction, air quality maintenance, and water conservation. The proximity to the airport mandated a design that controls acoustics and air quality to maintain occupant comfort. Unique to this school, the Boeing Commons transforms daily from an eating, gathering, and athletic space to a presentation forum. This 6,400 square foot space accommodates a school program traditionally occupied by spaces consuming an area twice as large. The Commons follows through on the goals of efficiency, connection to the Museum, and a place for rigorous education.
King County Airport Runway Raisbeck Aviation High School E Marginal Way S Museum of Flight Airpark Duwamish River Museum of Flight Campus SITE PLAN
CONNECTING WITH THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT AIRPARK
LEGEND Administration Commons / Gathering Multi-Purpose Room General Learning Space Science Lab Third Floor Service / Utility Circulation Second Floor First Floor FLOOR PLANS
CENTRAL STAIR: SETTING THE TONE
Present Eat Play BOEING COMMONS: EFFICIENCY BY DESIGN The school s most adaptable space is the Commons/Multi-Purpose Room an innovative design response to square footage limitations. These spaces accommodate physical activity, presentations, socializing, and eating. The Commons, located on the upper floor, has a view of the museum s Airpark and the King County International Airport.
BREAKOUT AREA: COLLABORATION / DISCUSSION / EXCHANGE
EFFICIENT ENVELOPE = ENERGY SAVINGS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 55,000 SF envelope Raisbeck Aviation Annual Site Energy 2 million kbtus 63,000 SF envelope Comparable 2-Story High School Annual Site Energy 5.7 million kbtus 10K 10K 10K 10K Reusable water bottle fillers save an average of 40,000 plastic bottles per year
NO BACK OF HOUSE The open site requires the building to have uncompromised connections to the environment on all sides. In response, each elevation offers its own expression, showcase quality materials, and attention to composition and details. HEADING