Vancouver iTech Preparatory

iTech Preparatory is a STEM-focused “School of Choice” serving grades 6 through 12 within Vancouver Public Schools. The building’s design supports a project-based, collaborative learning model, with integrated spaces such as fabrication workshops, science and robotics labs, art and media studios, and a central commons. The campus incorporates a range of strategies to reduce environmental impact and enhance user experience, including the preservation and integration of the site’s natural wetland. This natural drainage feature not only manages runoff but also serves as a focal point at the building’s entry, reinforcing the school’s connection to its landscape.

The building’s compact three-story form minimizes its footprint, while strategic daylighting, shading, and the use of natural materials, including cross-laminated timber (CLT) in key visible areas, support energy efficiency and biophilic design principles. Exposed wood elements throughout the building create a warm, calming atmosphere that enhances student well-being and reinforces the school’s connection to nature. These biophilic qualities are further emphasized through views of surrounding treelines, preserved mature trees, and outdoor learning environments. iTech stands as a model for future-ready educational design, where sustainability, wellness, and innovation converge to support the development of tomorrow’s problem-solvers.