Jonah Cohen, FAIA
On behalf of 35 AIA Oregon Fellows
Something Critical is Missing from Portland’s Future Vision
At this difficult moment, exacerbated by COVID, economic uncertainty, political polarization and climatic extremes, it has become very clear that something critical is missing from the noble quality of life vision we aspire to create. While Portland has succeeded in executing an enviable and beautiful physical infrastructure, we failed to match it with a social infrastructure that fully incorporates cultural and racial diversity and economic fairness and as a result we are now witnessing a level of frustrated rage and social breakdown not seen for decades. In the near term, we support the efforts of Rose City Downtown Collective to clean up and revitalize our city. There are important, longer term goals to be addressed as well. So, what are these and what is to be done?
We believe it begins with optimism. This is a unique moment in time with much possibility for our entire community. Together we have a long history of creative innovation. In the same way that we modeled a healthy balance between vital urbanism, agrarian abundance and protected wilderness, we believe we can once again lead the way in the creation of a society that advances that foundation, and values fairness and equity as much as progress. This however requires a compelling guiding vision. As architects we know that seemingly intractable problems can be solved through an iterative process of exploration which over time can lead to highly effective and self-evident solutions.
The first step is to convene a representative group of constituents who are committed to constructive and respectful creation of a shared vision. Information is then gathered which honestly considers all factors affecting and affected by the outcome - including existing strengths and assets which should not be lost but built upon. Next is consensus about specific goals, aspirations and measures of success. With that firm baseline, extensive alternative solutions are imagined which are then thoroughly debated, ultimately to be championed or discarded. The hoped-for result is a shared understanding and passionate endorsement of a chosen vision with which to move forward.
It is important to note that there is strong precedent for this model. Many of Oregon’s most successful past innovations, most notably the 1972 Portland Downtown Plan, sprung from grassroots creativity by a powerful alliance of business and community interests that inspired bold implementation by our elected officials. And while their intentions are honorable, the reality is that our current leaders are frankly overwhelmed with daunting immediate challenges limiting their time and ability to imagine a detailed pathway to a brighter future.
Since spring, as our country has faced a perfect storm of unconstrained pandemic, racial justice outrage, economic collapse and unprecedented polarization, our state's modest identity and progressive reputation has been both amplified and sullied as it has garnered extraordinary national and even international notoriety as a hotbed of political and climatic extremism. In addition to extensive negative press, our formerly vibrant downtown core, like many other cities ,is experiencing reduced business occupancy, boarded up storefronts and many closed restaurants. Most heartbreaking of all is an extensive and highly visible houseless population. And if that was not enough, our planet’s relentless propensity for balance ignited unprecedented forest fires which for over a week gave many parts of Oregon the dubious honor of having the most unhealthy air in the world.
Not surprisingly, this has left many of us with a profound sense of loss. But Oregon has a reputation for addressing daunting challenges in innovative ways and this is a moment that demands creative action. As architects, we tackle problems of vision and design every day – but reaching beyond today’s limitations to realize a future for our city that once again invites emulation around the world, we need to marshal the best talents across our entire community. Our purpose is to advocate for a broadly based initiative to forge a vision and a way forward for Portland beyond the dispiriting experiences of 2020.
So in recognition of this conundrum and singular moment in time, we as passionate stewards of this extraordinary place we call home are hereby calling upon our fellow citizens of good will representing all facets of our diverse community to come together and lead by example in imagining a better way of being, where we can all equally flourish and fulfill our potential.
Respectfully submitted by the following individual Oregon Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in their capacity as caring citizens of Oregon.
Jonah Cohen FAIA; Paddy Tillett FAIA; Larry Bruton FAIA; Kent Duffy FAIA; Don Stastny FAIA; Martha Peck Andrews FAIA; Linda Barnes FAIA; Anthony Belluschi FAIA; Doug Benson FAIA; John Blumthal FAIA; Stan Boles FAIA; Will Bruder FAIA; Tom Clark FAIA; Joseph Collins FAIA; Tim Eddy FAIA; Val Glitsch FAIA; Ron Gronowski FAIA; Mark Hall FAIA; Nels Hall FAIA; Bob Hastings FAIA; Alec Holser FAIA; Jim Kalvelage FAIA; Alison Kwok FAIA; Michael McCulloch FAIA; Nancy Merryman FAIA; Otto Poticha FAIA; Heinz Rudolf FAIA; Jeff Scherer FAIA; Jon Schleuning FAIA; Alan Scott FAIA; Bob Thompson FAIA; Michael Tingley FAIA; Ned Vaivoda FAIA; Jan Willemse FAIA; Bill Wilson FAIA
For more information on this subject, see the article in the Portland Architecture blog by Brian Libby.