This spring, the Urban Design Studio at the University of Oregon focused on future visions for Downtown Portland with specific attention given to the waterfront area. Under the leadership of Prof. Nico Larco, AIA, Lora Lillard (City of Portland, Parks and Recreation), and Mark Raggett (GBD Architects), the studio worked with the City of Portland, Prosper Portland, community stakeholders, and various design firms to address the impacts COVID has had on the City and challenges and opportunities that exist in the urban core. Student proposals investigated new visions for the waterfront and opportunities to reconnect with the river, to add housing in the area, and to create thriving neighborhood centers. 

All projects addressed sustainable and equitable urban design strategies for the area. Student site analysis and sustainability analysis can be viewed here: https://blogs.uoregon.edu/nlarco/downtown-portland-urban-design-studio-university-of-oregon/.  Projects descriptions will be added to that site at a future date.

This work will help inform the AIA DAT (Design Assistance Team) that will be happening in Portland in Fall 2023.  We invite you to come see the student proposals and join the conversation about the future of our City.

Presenters:

• Nico Larco, AIA – Professor, University of Oregon

• Lora Lillard – City of Portland, Parks and Recreation

• Mark Raggett – GBD Architects

• Troy Doss – Senior Planner, City of Portland, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (To be confirmed)

• Students from UO Architecture Program’s Urban Design Studio – Spring 2023