Type: Education (University of Oregon)

Role: Research, Design, Digital Model, Perspectives, Diagrams, Sections, Plans Storyboard, Walk Through Animations, Physical Model

Collaborator: Brieanna Waggoner

Software: Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premier Pro, Lumion, Revit

We were asked analyze the current conditions and imagine possible opportunities in developing a hillside site in Portland, Oregon. Tri-Met, the local public transportation authority, is looking to install a new light rail line around the proposed site in an effort to provide more of a connection to the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) and surrounding area. The site includes an existing but unused historic synagogue, a protected forest, and is surrounded by multiple neighborhood districts and a web of existing roadways. Working with these groups as well as the engineering department at University of Portland, we were asked to evaluate the best location for the new Light Rail stop, the best method to convey people from the stop to OHSU located atop a hill, and identify what sort of program the newly used site would call for.

A Community Project Requires a Community Effort

As this project has a variety of implications for the neighborhood and surrounding city, as well as stakeholders of varying backgrounds and interests, we actively worked with them throughout the design process. We were given tours with various members of OHSU, Ahavath Achim, and the neighborhood districts, as well as preliminary analysis and reports from Tri-met and the University of Portland engineering program. Through the input we received both individually and through panel discussions, we were able to design with a breadth of background knowledge, opinions, and passions that helped drive the project.

The Hydrological Journey

As we all know, Portland receives its fair share of rain. In many parts of the city, and cities around the country, this results in large networks of underground pipes collecting, contaminating, and transporting the once fresh rain water. The Hydrological Sensorium is looking to change that.

As the project site is located in the vally of a hillside, leading toward the Willamette River, this project offers a unique opportunity to treat a large amount of on site water. Through the use of topography, the water can be collected, transported, and naturally treated throughout its journey. People naturally like to gather around water, thus making certain points in its travel to the river natural gathering areas for the public. This not only allows for a consistant system of daylighting throughout the waters journey, but also educational oportunities for the public on methods for collected, slowing, and cleaning water.

Buried Bathhouse

Located beneith Markim Hll, is the Buried Bathhouse. Open tot he public, this destination serves as another location for both water and people, and the dance the share. Breaking up the journe through the living tunnel, this bathhouse serves as a place of rest and relaxation as its visitors pass between cool, warm, and hot pools, ultimately ending in sauna spheres. The interacting play bettwen wood, concrete, water and light provide for an experience unique to its location and dance between the natural and man environments.

Living Tunnel

In the Living Tunnel, people and water pass below the Markim Hill poviding the most direct pathway between OHSU and the light rail train stop. While people pass above the walk way, water continues beneate it being treated all its way. Slits open the tunnel up to the enviornment above, allowing runoff from the park become a sensorial feature as its cascades into the tunnel below. Between the movement of people, running water, and falling water, it becomes a living, breathing system of its own.

Pooling Plaza

From the train, visitors are greeted by the Pooling Plaza, where both water and people are collected to begin their experience up the Markim Hill. Serving as the front porch to OHSU, it is expected that thousands of people will pass through this entry every day. For the people, it provides a place for rest, relaxation, and a connection to the outdoors. For the enviornment, it serves as a method to slowdown the water, and daylight it to help in its treatement process.