Congratulations to Friends of the Children-Portland on the grand opening of their new facility in Rockwood, Oregon. The non-profit that provides professional mentors to at-risk children celebrated the opening with community members at an evening open house with activities in the state-of-the-art community kitchen, garden, gym and technology center.
We are honored Mayer/Reed was asked to design the building signage and donor recognition incorporated into the entry courtyard gate. The design is inspired by the vision that one-to-one mentorship creates a ripple of influence and generational change.
Celebrating the Portland Winter Light Festival
Mayer/Reed’s eighth floor studio glowed orange in celebration of Portland’s Winter Light Festival February 3-6, 2016. As a firm sponsor with steering committee members for this inaugural event, we were thrilled to see how the festival’s imaginative installations and activities brought the community out to light up these dark days of winter. We hope it’s the start of a new Portland tradition!
How Can Landscape Architects Affect Positive Change in Homelessness?
That’s the question that Carol Mayer-Reed will explore on a panel at the ASLA National Meeting in Chicago on Friday, November 6. “Designing with the Homeless” will explore the role of landscape architects, planners, and designers in addressing homelessness which is experienced by an estimated 650,000 people in America.
Join Carol; Randy Hester, FASLA, University of California; Douglas Pardue, University of Georgia; and Katherine Eastman, Student ASLA, Design Workshop, as they examine how design can positively impact the health, well-being, and future prospects of homeless people.
Orange Line Opens – What a Ride!
Congratulations to TriMet on completing the MAX Orange Line! And what a ride it’s been! After years of planning and design involving multiple public agencies, communities and design professionals, the light rail line and Tillikum Crossing Bridge opened to public festivities on September 12.
Mayer/Reed is proud to be part of an effort that pushed the project beyond just moving commuters between Portland and Milwaukie, Oregon. TriMet’s commitment to an in-depth public process, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, public art, sustainable design and high quality rider amenities allowed the design team’s response to weave the new line and its stations into the fabric of the neighborhoods along the 7.3 mile corridor.
Soon station areas will buzz with activity as people incorporate the new connections and community improvements into their daily lives. We look forward to seeing how this public transit infrastructure becomes a catalyst for economic vitality in the region!