Portland Community College Health Technology Building Renovation

Portland Community College Health Technology Building Renovation

At Portland Community College, we are collaborating with Woofter Bolch Architecture on the renovation of the Health Technology Building, which will feature one of the first all-user locker rooms in America. To enhance campus connectivity, we are introducing a new east–west, two-story thru-block atrium that cuts through what was once the double-height natatorium. It connects a lower-level plaza that leads to sports fields with an upper-level plaza at the heart of the campus. The atrium is lit from above by a new skylight.

Our commission also includes converting the existing double-height natatorium (swimming pool) into classrooms for the Exercise Science, Fitness, and Health Professions programs, and to create a new all-user locker room on the north side of the building beneath the existing gymnasium. The inclusive locker room will be used by students, staff, faculty, and visiting athletic teams. By simultaneously addressing concerns of equity, access, and safety, this typology is becoming the emerging standard in health and wellness facilities.