Portland Architects Emphasize Sustainable Design
Published Feb 16, 2009
Interesting, dynamic-looking buildings have long been a part of Portland’s architectural scene, as evidenced by the Meier & Frank Building, the Benson Hotel and even the massive Lloyd Center mall that opened in 1960.
The City of Roses is also home to attractive structures such as the US Bancorp Tower, PacWest Center and the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse. Among other cityscape landmarks are The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Pittock Mansion and the Oregon Convention Center.
“Portland is a cool place to live, with a creative culture that certainly includes the architectural and engineering community,” says Kip Richardson, director of business development at Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects. “In the case of Ankrom Moisan, we attract people from all over the country, but many are homegrown, having graduated from the University of Oregon as well as from Portland State University.” Both the U of O Portland campus and PSU are becoming nationally known for architecture programs that are educating students in smart, sustainable design.
Designing Buildings Here and Elsewhere
In fact, Portland has emerged as a leading city in sustainable architecture, with one of the largest collections of LEED-accredited green buildings in the United States. With their expertise, Portland architectural firms also have been able to attract top design contracts from around the country.
“Portland architects are very focused on sustainable design; in fact, we at Ankrom Moisan are currently engineering two buildings that are targeted to become LEED-certified platinum - the highest rating,” Richardson says. “Our recent accomplishments include a Luma condominium building in Los Angeles, and we are now completing a Ladd Tower downtown apartment complex right next to Portland State University. Portland is a great place to live and an ideal spot to be an architect these days.”
The list of accomplishments at Portland-based GBD Architects includes the Bellevue Towers and the Maryhill Museum of Art (both in Washington state) as well as the Wells Fargo Center in Portland.
Staff at Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects has completed projects for Microsoft Corp., Duke University, Stanford University and the Port of Port of Portland. The company even designed the Seattle Streetcar.
“We have been in Portland for 50 years and always try to be respectful of each community that we help with our projects,” says Gene Sandoval, a partner at Zimmer Gunsul Frasca. “There is a sense of humility that all Oregonians have - like Scandinavians - where we respect the environment, value natural materials and are a leader in sustainability. That is certainly how we think at ZGF.”
Zimmer Gunsul Frasca has won more than 400 design awards in its 50 years, including the Film Award - the highest award bestowed by the American Institute of Architects.
“ZGF is also moving into a new building on the west end of Portland, which we are proud of,” Sandoval says. “In keeping with what we stand for, the building has received platinum designation for energy efficiency for both the interior and exterior design.”
Story by Kevin Litwin
Current Weather Conditions In Portland, OR (97201)
Clear, and 56 ° F. For more details?
Click here...
