Jeramie Shane, Author at Mayer Reed

Collaborative Life Sciences Building and Skourtes Tower Complete

Large and complex projects can be very demanding, especially during the construction phase. For the design team, it requires us to focus on the details and to stay one step ahead of the contractors’ work. When the pavers are finally laid, trees are planted and the last bench and art piece have been installed, it’s time to pause, step back and revel in the completion.

The opening celebration for the Collaborative Life Sciences Building and Skourtes Tower in the South Waterfront District is no exception. After over a year of managing the details of the site and landscape construction, it is inspiring to experience the results of the efforts of countless design consultants, university representatives and contractors working together to create this modern model of collaboration. Mayer/Reed is proud to be one of those team members, having designed the public and private outdoor spaces including the east and west terraces and stepped landscape along SW Moody. MayerReed_CLSB_01 Themes of transparency and interaction are apparent throughout the development. Multi-story glass atrium walls bring compelling outdoor views into the building. Indoor and outdoor spaces with open circulation and ample seating encourage spontaneous conversations. Stormwater from the building and site is visible as it is conveyed through a series of treatment planters. MayerReed_CLSB_06 Soon, the CLSB will be buzzing with activity as students, faculty, researchers and staff move in over the summer. The bike racks will be full. Students will be perched on the concrete plinth seating, soaking in the sun on their breaks. Study groups will gather on the east terrace with fantastic views of the Willamette River, the new Tilikum Crossing Bridge and Mt. Hood in the distance. Let the next chapter of collaboration begin!

Light Rail, Art and Beer

Cast earth, twisted rail, stone and water. Let’s talk about public art along the new Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail line: All of the pieces going in are amazing – some inspiring delight and wonder, others providing pause for contemplation. That’s how art should be.

As we’ve designed public spaces along the line, Mayer/Reed has worked to integrate several art pieces into the design, adding a unique flavor to each station. You’ll get a chance to learn about the art along the entire alignment and hear from a few of the artists on April 17 at TriMet’s TriMet’s Transit On Tap, their series of free public talks held at brewpubs. Sponsored by Mayer/Reed, this event will be at Ford Food and Drink. See you there!

Darlene Hooley Pedestrian Bridge Wins ASLA Oregon Merit Award

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Oregon presented Mayer/Reed with a Merit Award in Transportation for our work on the Darlene Hooley Pedestrian Bridge at the annual Design Award Soiree held November 1st.

The jury appreciated Mayer/Reed’s collaboration with the bridge engineers and architects in achieving a project that is elegant in form and compelling for pedestrians. We are honored to be acknowledged for our contributions to the bridge’s interface with two distinct neighborhoods, as well as our input on the design of the bridge itself. Now, it’s great to see the bridge in active use, with people using it every day, even making the choice to take the stairs!

The ASLA awards program recognizes the best in the landscape architecture of public places, residential designs, campuses, parks and urban planning projects in Oregon.