Portland Architecture Awards 2016
On Thursday, November 17th, One North and Open School East received awards at the American Institute of Architects Portland’s annual Design Excellence Awards! In addition to the AIA Portland awards, 14 projects were selected by a renowned jury of architects from Boston, Massachusetts, for awards.
One North
One North was selected by Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, for the Neighborhood Scale Project award. It also received a Citation Award from the jury.
Setting a New Standard for Commercial Architecture in Portland
One North is an innovative, sustainable commercial development in North Portland. Comprised of two buildings embracing a central courtyard, One North integrated high-quality, cutting-edge design elements with passive house sustainability strategies to transform what was formerly a brownfield site into a unique commercial development. The project team was challenged to redefine sustainability beyond industry requirements. With a focus on maximizing energy efficiency, reducing waste and consumption, and sharing resources with the community, the project is 50% more energy efficient than a typical office building in Oregon.
Mass Timber Innovation
While One North’s composition indicates a steel or concrete structure due to the complexity of the window apertures and curvilinear forms, the structure is primarily a wooden frame with glulam posts and beams and a lock deck floor structure. Western red cedar siding highlights the unique curves of the buildings. The project team was passionate about using sustainably harvested wood. To avoid old-growth timber and financially support the community, the team hand-selected cedar and purchased it from a co-op of landowners in western Washington. From the forest to the construction site, the wood traveled less than 100 miles.
Open School East
Open School East was recognized by the jury with the Merit Award.
An Inspiring Community Youth Space
Designed for educational nonprofit Open School, Open School East expands access to alternative learning opportunities for youth living in East Portland. An innovative school model, Open School prepares students for future success. Historically located in North Portland, the organization noticed a shift in their student popular, with a greater need to support students who live in East Portland. Open School East was created alongside the new Rockwood Boys & Girls Club and the New Avenues for Youth Opportunity Center, providing safe and inspiring spaces for youth to learn, play, and socialize.
Design that Supports Open School's Programming
The architecture of Open School East supports the school’s learning model by providing spaces fit for a variety of activities. The heart of the project is a central bleacher stair used as a formal and informal gathering area. The bleacher connects both floors of the facility and can seat up to 200 people. The volumes that house the classrooms are shifted along the edges of the central space to create nooks that bring daylight into the hallways and accommodate small-group instruction, individual tutoring, and check-ins. The facility features 11 classrooms, two science labs, an art studio, administrative spaces, and various flexible areas.
