On Friday the American Institute of Architects/Portland Chapter, my former employer as well as ongoing sponsor of this site, announced it is moving. The chapter will vacate its downtown office and gallery at 315 SW Fourth Avenue (between Stark and Oak), where it has been since 1992, and move into a new Center For Architecture in the Pearl District at 403 NW 11th Avenue, the former S.K. Josefsberg gallery.
“In addition,” says the press release, “the 5,000 square-foot red brick building will provide space for art and design exhibits, conferences, receptions, lectures, and AIA programs for the architectural community and the public.” It will “be a center of knowledge and debate, serve as a resource for the public to gain information about architects and Portland architecture, and provide an on-going demonstration space for sustainable strategies, environmental design, and energy-efficient building methods.”
This month AIA will be holding two charettes to gather input and suggestions from AIA members and others in the building and design community. The first is an eco-charrette on Thursday, July 20, and the second is a design charette on July 27. Ideas being explored include rainwater harvesting, daylighting, photovoltaic solar collectors and more. Construction will begin in the fall with completion slated for next spring in conjunction with the nationwide celebrations for the American Institute of Architects’ 150th anniversary.
What most excites is that the new space will transcend being a chapter office and come to stand as a home base for architecture in the city. The role of design is one that has to be constantly proselytized, and I like thinking of a more prominent headquarters helping in that fight. What’s more, the AIA’s gallery can have much greater access to the stream of art patrons in this gallery-heavy area. Good going to all those involved who have made it happen.
Like Brian said, this will hopefully really be an outlet for relatiing architecture back to Portland. Plans like these can often, leave many promises empty. This center will take more than the AIA to function. I beleive that young architects and designers as well as existing professionals must both involve themselves deeply if anything is to actually come of this. Portland has a blossoming scene and our city is internationally reknowned, but the lack of connection with architecture to the public at the lowest levels is unfortunate because we have much to offer. I encourage everyone reading this to show up with ideas and thoughts about our role in the city and how we can make Portland's future built environment more connected. If you're reading this, what kind of ideas do you have, or better yet what can you see this space doing for Portland?
Posted by: thepdxkid | July 03, 2006 at 08:06 AM