I've been meaning to write about this for the last week and got sidetracked. But last Friday I went to a media event at the Ecotrust building in which Mayor Potter was introduced to the "Vision Vessel", a portable device for recording citizen comments about Portland that was created in anticipation of the mayor's citywide visioning project.
Commissioned by the local nonprofit Public Media Works, the Vision Vessel consists of an Apple computer mounted on a pedestal that's surrounded by a scrum, or curtain, onto which text about Portland's history is printed. The idea is that one steps into the Vision Vessel like one would a voting booth, with the curtain both practically and symbolically conveying a private exercise of public expression. The overall structure was designed by three young architects - Ryan Lingard, Brad Demby and Larry Gregg (I apologize in advance for any spelling errors) - who work at BOORA but did this project in their spare time.
I really like what the Vision Vessel's creators (both theoretical and technical) have done. This is a delightfully modest little project with ambition. Not only is it technology being used for tangible community good, but it's also got some subtle design qualities achieved frugally. For example, the winding circular shape of the curtain resembles that of a classical garden labyrinth, which symbolizes the journey to God or, if one prefers, spirituality. Sure, it's just a damn winding curtain, but one with a heritage.
Potter seemed to love the Vision Vessel, which is no surprise considering this whole visioning project is the mayor's baby. What I hope Mr. Potter also realizes is that the Vision Vessel is a testament to the role of good design in the civic arena and its processes. In other words, designers should play a role in city visioning that goes far beyond the Vision Vessel.
Based on what the mayor told me in a brief interview next to the Vessel, there's reason to be encouraged, even considering the attendant skepticism one applies to a politician on message. "Design is important," Potter said. "It's how you reach people. I'm a strong believer in intentional communities, and that's where they come in: translating the vision from where we are into the future."
I was tempted to challenge the mayor to resurrect the Mayor's Design Initiative started by his predecessor, Vera Katz. But at that moment, with Potter making a positive gesture towards a design community I worried he didn't appreciate enough, it seemed like another discussion for another day. Meanwhile, a round of applause to those powering the little Vessel that could.
Comments