The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) master planned a new district on its 18-acre property on the Willamette riverfront. The district is envisioned as a sustainable, transit-oriented, mixed-use development and a center for innovation. Education, arts and science will be embedded in the design.
As part of a multi-disciplinary planning team, Mayer/Reed led the vision for the waterfront and open spaces within the district, including pedestrian and cyclist circulation. Throughout the 1/3 mile of riverfront, Mayer/Reed’s work focuses on pedestrian-oriented outdoor activity and learning spaces, river overlooks and places to linger. Within the OMSI district, the evolving design generates possibilities for vibrant, flexible use open spaces destinations for large and small gatherings, celebrations, cultural and educational events and entertainment. A central pedestrian spine through the district will create a continuous connection from the adjacent TriMet transit hub on the south to the main OMSI plaza and Portland Community College to the north.
Ecological site improvements showcase the district’s green infrastructure and habitat. In conjunction with the City of Portland, a sizeable portion of OMSI’s northern property is slated for wildlife and fisheries enhancement, riverbank restoration and an outdoor laboratory for living systems education and interpretation.
In a separate but related project, Mayer/Reed engaged in the visioning for a Center for Tribal Nations and led the visioning for a Waterfront Education Park. Planning focused on Native American presence, representation, engagement and collaboration. This opportunity to listen, learn and partner will result in authentic representation and expressions of Native American culture and knowledge in the Waterfront Education Park and throughout the site.
Owner: Oregon Museum of Science & Industry
Central City Master Plan Architect: ZGF Architects
Center for Tribal Nations Architect: SERA Architects
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