We are filled with gratitude for our collaborative partners who challenge us to elevate design; our forward-thinking clients who aspire to go above and beyond for the future of our communities and planet; and our amazing Mayer/Reed team for sharing their talents and vision through work and volunteerism.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Principal Jeramie Shane, ASLA is participating in a panel discussion, “Climate Responsive Urban Design Concepts” at the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association (OAPA) Annual Planning Conference in Pendleton on October 28th.
He joins Tim Smith, Erin Reome and Margaret Raimann (SERA Architects), Fiona Lyon (TriMet) and Brian Campbell, FAICP for an informal exploration of development types that would meet the new state CFEC rules for well-functioning but more dense communities. They’ll provide real-world examples of how these areas can be developed in concert with their surroundings while meeting the climate and equity objectives of the new rules.
Associate Principal Shannon Simms (Mayer/Reed), along with Steffi McDonald (David Evans and Associates) and Dana Beckwith (Global Transportation Engineering) will present “Lifecycle of Portland’s Premier Cycle Track” at the American Public Works Association (APWA) Oregon Chapter Fall Conference on October 19th. The session will explore how a grassroots temporary cycle track on Portland’s Naito Parkway became a state-of-the-art active transportation facility with the quirky name, “Better Naito Forever.”
Today, Naito provides better accessibility, safety and circulation for all users with its new bike signals, protected pedestrian refuges and a continuous sidewalk along the entirety of Waterfront Park. The project’s goals were realized through extensive engagement with the community and stakeholders, including Portland Parks & Recreation and festival organizers. The presentation will cover the changes made at each stage and the final design solutions, including the redesign of the world’s smallest park, Mill Ends Park.
On August 18th Mayer/Reed and SRG Partnership (SRG) hosted an Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) Dine & Design event on the Mayer/Reed-designed outdoor terrace of the LEED platinum, state-of-the-art OHSU Knight Cancer Research Building. The AFO series brings people together to experience exceptional designed spaces and raises money to support AFO’s programs, including Architects in Schools.
We had a wonderful evening, gathering for happy hour and dinner in the 6th floor “intellectual lounge” and its connecting terrace with stunning views of the east from the South Waterfront. A panel discussion hosted by Laurie Canup (SRG) and Mayer/Reed Principal Jeramie Shane included OHSU leadership and researchers who shared how the building design supports their work to cure cancer.
The key to the building’s success is space organization for efficient workflows, but we also heard that there is magic in the social “eddies” where interactions are less linear. “It’s the coffee” and “lunch with a view” that make it happen. Casual yet important interactions on the rooftop terrace and in the kitchen during a coffee break or meal are the moments of cross-pollination which spark meaningful collaboration. This is a universal idea so many of us can relate to. As we all find our way back into our respective offices, these moments of spontaneous connection can bring intangible value. It is a good reminder of the importance of our work to support well-being and serve as a catalyst for things far beyond our imagination.
We are grateful for OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s commitment to cure cancer and for their generosity to share their time and observations. Taking the time to learn from those who inhabit our projects is a gift to the future of design.
