06.2011
pdxWREC
pdxWREC - Portland Water Resource and Education Center
As an intervention on Portland’s Waterfront, the project finds itself as a threshold building. This is translated conceptually into the building as a place for collection which is realized formally through simple moves. Breaking the building into three forms allows penetration through without limiting the flow along the current esplanade. These forms are then held together by a fragmented roof that opens up outwardly to accept and collect people, but then closes down internally to make a more intimate space. It is here at this intimate space that a compluvium is inserted, this becomes not only the beginning of a water habitat but also the organizing factor of the entire project. It is here that people collect to learn about water in the city and to re-establish their personal connection with the natural element.
