Portland City Hall’s Roof is Going Green (and Red!)

The City of Portland is walking its talk. The historic City Hall will receive an eco-roof to underscore the city’s Green Building Policy and its commitment to sustainability.

Rendering showing the roof in spring

Approved last week by the Historic Landmarks Commission, the eco-roof design must be compatible with the 1895 building’s historic character, including views from the surrounding towers above. Mayer/Reed’s formal layout creates panels of framed sedum plantings over areas of roof that can withstand the extra saturated weight.

As part of a roof replacement and exterior surfaces renovation led by Architectural Resources Group, Mayer/Reed designed the eco-roof to be economical and low maintenance, while maximizing ecological and aesthetic benefits. Initially, the team wasn’t sure that an eco-roof would work due to weight, but then determined that a thin profile cinder system would meet requirements.

Rendering showing the roof in fall

The eco-roof will feature a mix of 12 drought-tolerant plant species including sedum and flowering bulbs to create seasonal interest. At certain times of the year, the vegetation will be take on a red hue, rather than green.

Red

Our latest studio artwall installation is on display at Mayer/Reed. In its ninth year, the artwall is a rotating display of staff submissions focused on a theme. This time, all things red.

Posted February 15, 2018
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: IN THE STUDIO 

Happy Holidays!

This year’s holiday greeting is inspired by traditions old and new. In Mayer/Reed’s early years, we created a series of holiday cards by photographing an object, manipulating the image and overlaying a message. The process, tuned to the tools of the day, was driven by our interest in object, form and the process of making.For 2017 we revisited this approach and took delight in light and shadow studies created by twinkle lights illuminating a scale model of a new M/R holiday tradition – a festive lobby art installation.

Wishing you a magical holiday season filled with your own traditions – old and new.

Posted December 22, 2017
Written by: Kathy Fry
Categories: IN THE STUDIO 

Site Renovations at the Oregon Convention Center Offer a New Welcome for Visitors

A new visitor experience, entertainment venue and entry sequence for the Oregon Convention Center are unanimously approved through the Portland Design Commission.Mayer/Reed’s design for the main entrance and northeast plaza will provide more active destinations within the public realm. The two plazas, along with an improved streetscape along MLK Blvd., invite visitors to enjoy a casual style of hospitality and a taste of the rich Oregon landscape typologies.Designed to accommodate new patterns of use in response to the new 600-room hotel across Holladay Street, the spaces feature a new digital information pylon, an outdoor event terrace, an amphitheater and programmable use space that’s open to the public. The contemporary design utilizes basalt stone, weathering steel, wood, a variety of informal plantings and incorporation of public art.

The new design is part of a $27 million project to update the interior and exterior of convention center led by LMN Architects for Metro. Mayer/Reed’s previous work at the Oregon Convention Center includes the award-winning Rain Garden.