June AIA-SWO Chapter Meeting Recap

Joe Valasek

AIA-Southwestern Oregon’s June chapter meeting was a real treat. Not only were the winning Eugene Parklet design competition winners announced, but attendees also enjoyed a tour of the studio wood carver Joe Valasek set up in Glenwood for his company Carveture. Though trained as a carver & sculptor using traditional hand tools, Joe is now a leading proponent of the potential and precision of automated CNC routing to create intricate bas-relief carvings.

Joe fully exploits the capabilities of 3D modeling software, 3D scanners, and computer-controlled industrial machinery to explore the artistic potential of textured surfaces and innovate carving techniques. Joe photogrammetrically translates the projective geometry of objects and textures he finds interesting to digital information he can then creatively manipulate and transfer to Carveture’s CNC machinery.

The large scale of many of Carveture’s projects would be incredibly time-consuming and thus expensive to produce without the benefit of these technologies. Joe works with various species of wood, MDF, metals, stones, plastics, and other materials. A lucrative market for Joe’s work is Hawaii, where developers of resort hotels and high-end homes prize his island-themed carvings. Using indigenous woods (such as koa or ironwood), many of the designs feature abstractions of natural motifs—leaves, waves, ripples in sand, and others.

Joe described the history of the studio Carveture now occupies. Famed master pipe organ builder John Brombaugh designed the building in 1977 specifically to accommodate the fabrication of large pipe organs. Brombaugh would go on to build dozens of spectacular organs for installations worldwide. He intended the lofty height of the main shop area precisely to allow the assembly and testing of the tallest instruments; it now provides a commodious and pleasant work environment for Carveture. The building’s remote location at the end of N. Brooklyn Street overlooking the Willamette River is likewise a world apart and an apt setting for Joe’s creative work.

The potential applications of Carveture’s decorative fine art panels, ornaments, sculpted doors, and carved and painted walls in architecture are limitless. As architects renew their interest in the aesthetic and symbolic potential of ornament, I expect the demand for products generated by Carveture’s automated technologies will grow exponentially.

Big thanks to Joe for hosting AIA-SWO’s June chapter meeting. His presentation, offering a sneak peek into Carveture’s work processes, and the tour of Carveture’s studio, were thoroughly informative and enjoyable.

Eugene Parklet Competition Winners

The four downtown Eugene parking spots to be transformed into "parklets" this summer.

AIA-Southwestern Oregon 2017 president Katie Hall, AIA and organizing committee chairperson Carolina Trabuco, Assoc. AIA announced the winners of the inaugural Eugene Parklet competition at the June AIA-SWO chapter meeting. Though the competition itself is only the first phase of the Parklet 2017 initiative, it’s clear from its auspicious results the project will be nothing less than a great success.

As I mentioned previously, the Parklet Competition is a byproduct of a partnership between the City of Eugene Parking Department (EPark) and AIA-Southwestern Oregon, with the support of downtown merchants, Toolbox Project, CSI Willamette Valley Chapter, and ASLA Oregon. The organizers goals for the project include reimagining the potential of our downtown streets, encouraging non-motorized transportation, enhancing pedestrian safety and activities, and fostering community interaction.

The competition is more than just a visioning exercise. The City of Eugene is providing up to $2,000 to each of the winning designs for materials and related construction costs to radically transform four downtown parking spaces. Three of the parking spaces are on Broadway: one each in front of Townshend’s, Starbucks, and the Bijou theatre; and one parking space on Olive Street in front of the University of Oregon’s new innovation hub RAIN. Once built, the parklets will remain in place for 1-2 months before disassembly. The current schedule anticipates installation occurring during the latter half of July, in time for the July 30 Downtown Sunday Streets event. The parklets will additionally be featured destinations for the August 5 First Friday Art Walk.

The members of the competition jury were Will Dowdy (City of Eugene), Jen Bell (Bell + Funk), David Dougherty (Dougherty Landscape Architects), Eric Gunderson, and Brian Cavenaugh (Architecture Building Culture). The jury evaluated a total of 13 submissions, ultimately selecting four outstanding schemes:

SIT (im.a.bench)

SIT (im.a.bench)

PIVOT Architecture (Kelley Howell, Kari Turner, Tom Moss, Clayton Arrowood, Shirin Majlesien, Craig Runyon, Angela Wilson)

Recommended site:  A

Design Narrative:

Just like the idea of a parklet occupying a parking spot, the IM.A.BENCH design is as whimsical as it is simple. Its vibrant colors and playful design will encourage people to pause for a moment, interact with one another, and enjoy a different experience downtown. Keeping patrons engaged and active downtown will enhance the livability and encourage people to visit more regularly. Safety is a paramount factor in the design and people of all abilities will be able to use the structure by either using the letters as a seat or pulling up alongside it. The words “Open to the Public” are displayed across the vertical wall to boldly invite everyone to utilize the public realm in which the installation occupies. The form of the structure allows for visitors to spend time enjoying a beverage from a local business, reading a paper, sharing conversation, or simply enjoying the opportunity to relax and enjoy downtown Eugene! It is seen as a natural extension of the public sidewalk and encourages a vibrant node of activity alongside local businesses.

The structure will consist of smooth plywood with a colorful veneer coating that encourages patrons both through its design and message: “Sit.” The vertical letters will be constructed of pre-painted sheet metal resting on a plywood base that is flush with the curb and treated with slip-resistant paint. The supporting understructure would consist of reclaimed wood pallets. The plywood would be locally sourced with no added formaldehyde. The design is digitally modeled to optimize the fabrication of the materials and reduce waste. Construction scraps will be recycled.

During construction and decommissioning of IM.A.BENCH, the surrounding areas will feel very little impact. The project will be constructed in modules off site and reassembled during off-peak times to minimize disruption to the important thoroughfare. Once the parklet is slated to be removed, it will be very quickly deconstructed. The project can be transported and reinstalled virtually anywhere. The construction is easy to assemble with minimal tools and utilizes straightforward details.

With slip-resistant lettering that continues onto the sidewalk as an option, the parklet will be attention grabbing and engaging. Outdoor seating for the businesses that occupy the adjacent areas will reap the most reward by having access to valuable outdoor space during the summer months. The parklet can also serve as a showcase during Downtown Eugene events such as First Friday or EUGfun!

Jury Comments:

• It’s rare to see bold graphics in Eugene. We tend to be more about earthy colors and organic textures. It was nice to see something bold and colorful that will really stand out on the street.
• A bold and singular place that will surprise and enliven downtown.
• Simple and bold.  Eye catching and whimsical.
• Simple and vibrant with bold imagery.  This parklet is sure to draw a crowd of sitters.

Vivid Summer

Vivid Summer
Lindsey Deaton and Christopher Becker
Recommended site: B

Design Narrative:
Eugene’s vibrant summer spaces support spontaneous sidewalk chats, people watching, and sunbathing. The VIVID SUMMER parklet is a community node day and night. Artistically, the parklet is a motif for the power generated when unique individuals form community, as distinct wood panels construct strong geometric shapes.

Bright canvas shading devices announce the presence of a new street feature and draw pedestrians to neighboring pop-up retail pods. The built-in seating supports a variety of activities as well as spaces for individuals, couples, and small groups. Wide ledges accommodate drinks and computers. A standing-height counter transitions pedestrians into the parklet.

As the sun sets, the VIVID SUMMER parklet begins to glow; daylight sensors trigger an internal network of embedded LEDs to bath the benches in soft tones. These lights cast a beautiful array of summer colors on the benches and increase the safety of the space by illuminating a potentially dark corner of the street. The lights are powered by a small, secure PV panel that can be attached directly to the parklet or a neighboring roof.

Jury Comments:

• This was the only entry that gave much consideration to night time. The people downtown during the day and the ones here at night are generally not the same people. So it allows the people here for the nightlife to enjoy the parklets.
• Vibrant and lively, The lighting will be a great place for evening selfies.
• The sharp geometry and soft lighting crates an urban ensemble that will complement the existing Broadway streetscape.

pinYOUgene

pinYOUgene
Cameron McCarthy (Larry Gilbert, Justin Lanphear, Zach Rix, Nick Mercado, Vivian Schoung, Ali McQueen)
Recommended site: C

Design Narrative:
The great irony of public spaces is that they serve as locations to gather, experience urban environments, and deepen our understanding of place. Yet, often we lose this notion of experience and use public space as a means of getting from one point to another. We miss the opportunity to fully understand our urban environments.

The goal of pinYOUgene is to create a parklet that strengthens the social fabric of downtown by providing the opportunity to creatively engage with our community, sit and relax, bolster safe and interactive street-level activity, explore downtown, and share our stories.

This parklet is designed for one of the three Broadway locations. Sidewalk users are drawn into the parklet by an interactive downtown map identifying local examples of history, art, and landscapes that visitors are encouraged to explore; built-in seating surrounded by semi-transparent slat screens, both built from locally salvaged trees; vegetated planters; and a 3-D optical manipulation on the street side.

The floor of the parklet is painted with lines and words that lead to the metal chalkboard-coated map of downtown Eugene at the center of the space. This map depicts Google Map-inspired magnetic pins that correspond to examples of local history, art, and meaningful landscapes within downtown. The map also invites visitors to plot their own course using the magnetic pins to mark pivotal or meaningful locations in their lives. In addition, the interior walls of the parklet are coated with chalkboard paint (chalk will continue to be provided throughout the display of the parklet), and visitors can write or draw their experiences discovering Eugene.

Jury Comments:

• This one tells a bigger story about downtown and encourages people to check out downtown landmarks.
• Participatory and thoughtful.  Invites us to think about downtown places. 
• Will bring an interactive experience to downtown that will provide entertainment for all ages, especially the all-to-frequently overlooked children.
• The diverse yet unified materials are used in a compelling way to create space while interpreting the urban context. 

Framing Parklet

Framing Parklet
Propel Studio (Sam Sudy and Lucas Gray)
Recommended site: D

Design Narrative:
Nestled in front of Townshends: Eugene’s Teahouse, this parklet would serve as an extension of the sidewalk, for passerby and tea drinkers to linger and converse. The concept for this parklet arose from the idea of frames: framing the city, framing nature, framing the pedestrian. Stacked together in a row, frames provide a series of filters, creating visual appeal as one looks down the row. Looking perpendicularly to the frames, small pockets of semi-private spaces become apparent, sandwiched between each frame. Made of everyday materials—rebar and wood—this parklet will be easy to construct. The four frames and the three platforms sandwiched between are independent units, allowing the entire parklet to be broken down and transported with ease.

From their base, the frames offer rigidity and a solid foundation of 2x2 purple-stained wood, both to provide seating and to enclose planter boxes. Plants such as lavender were selected, not only because they coordinate with the colors of the frames, but because of their durability within the local climate of Eugene, minimizing ongoing care and watering requirements.

Above the base, spray-painted rebar reveals a more delicate structure of plantings above, allowing for a visual connection between the sidewalk and the street while still providing a buffer for safety and ambience. At night, the glow in the dark spray paint highlights the grid of the rebar and continues its visual appeal through dusk and into the night.

Jury Comments:

• This one is uniquely shaped, and the frames allow for visual connection between the sidewalk and the street. It also allows space for someone to sit alone (not on a shared bench), which for people who work downtown and might be on a break alone is appealing.
• A spatial experience that allow claiming your own place in the city.
• The blend of wood metal and plant fits into the urban garden of Broadway.
• A pleasing composition of strength and elegance

*    *    *    *    *    *

Kudos to each of the winning teams. I’m looking forward to seeing your designs become reality! Congratulations too to Carolina Trabuco and the members of her Parklet Competition committee. You quickly organized and implemented the competition in impressive fashion.

During their brief appearance this summer, I predict the parklets will prove wildly popular, attracting enthusiastic use and the attention of local media. The project may prove to be among the most effective ever undertaken by AIA-SWO in its efforts to raise the profile of our design community and showcasing the value of skilled problem-solving applied in creative and imaginative ways.

Change, Challenges, and Responsibilities

 

Jim Robertson, FAIA, FCSI, and Carl Sherwood, AIA announced my promotion this past week from Senior Associate to Principal at Robertson/Sherwood/Architects pc. I’m truly honored by the opportunity to work alongside Jim and Carl in this new capacity.

When I first embarked on a life in architecture, I thought I knew where it would take me or at least where I wanted it to. Since then, I’ve traveled a considerable distance down a steady professional track with few twists and turns along the way. Indeed, by several measures, I passed by the “mid-career” point a while ago without stopping to reflect upon how far I’d come or thinking much about my ultimate destination. I enjoyed the rhythm of my work, chugging away on project after project while doing what I could to keep each safely on the rails.

During the entire journey, I’ve been blessed to enjoy the company of outstanding associates and mentors. Jim and Carl have been tremendous in this regard, and I cannot thank them enough for this expression of confidence in me. I do hope I can reward them in turn by doing my part to ensure the continued success of the firm. Without a doubt, the future will be exciting. As I assume an increased leadership role, I look forward to helping Jim and Carl realize RSA’s full potential.

I was, and might still have been, very comfortable simply going along for the ride. Did I start out with ambitions of one day being in a position of firm leadership? Of course. Most who enter the profession do so with similar aspirations. I’ve also been paralyzingly risk-averse. I will need to do what I can to shed my risk aversion, a least a bit, if I am to become an effective principal.

I do anticipate new responsibilities, challenges, and raised expectations will accompany my changed role. I expect to remain who I am but also imagine stepping out of my skin a bit. For example, building the capabilities of our organization will become a focus of my work in the years ahead, as it is for most principals at architecture firms.

RSA’s hallmarks are attention to detail, focus on service, emphasis on the value of teamwork, and a supportive, family-friendly office culture. These form our core corporate ideology, and contribute significantly to the production of outstanding projects. Embracing change should likewise be part of our philosophy. As a new principal, I expect to work with Jim and Carl and the rest of our staff to visualize tomorrow’s version of our firm.

One thing our clients can count on is our continued commitment to provide them with the highest level of professional services. We regard every project as unique, taking pride in our ability to develop a clear and exceptional vision for each one. We constantly strive for creative solutions that exceed expectations. While always mindful of the intended use and budget constraints for the facilities we design, we also work toward the goal of creating buildings and spaces that will delight, inspire, and improve the lives of those that encounter them. We want our designs to express their function in meaningful and interesting ways. We want our projects to relate appropriately to their surroundings. We know who we are—our capabilities and why our clients come to us—and this will not change.

I arrived at this station of my life later than I originally expected to, if I expected to come to it at all following decades of secure contentment as an employee. Change always brings apprehension but it also signals opportunity and the potential for something new and wonderful over the horizon. As the train switches tracks and pulls away, I find myself on board looking forward to an incredibly fulfilling passage ahead.

Let’s Fix Construction Workshop

Cherise Lakeside, CSI Portland past-president, and Eric Lussier, CSI Vermont president, started a grassroots effort last August involving contributors from around the country called Let’s Fix Construction (Letsfixconstruction.com). The website they created is dedicated to sharing positive and collaborative solutions to issues we face in the AEC industry. Letsfixcontruction.com (which is unsponsored and includes no advertising) has become quite popular, drawing more attention every day. It is an impartial platform for showcasing forward-thinking solutions to many longstanding issues that have plagued construction.

As a complement to the website, Cherise and Eric have created a live, interactive event to discuss construction industry problems and solutions. Their presentation is a featured event at this year’s CONSTRUCT show in Providence, RI, but it’s also a show they’re taking on the road elsewhere, including here in Eugene.

Mark your calendars and plan on attending the Let’s Fix Construction forum on Friday, July 28.

The brown-bag lunch event will take place at the office of PIVOT Architecture, beginning at 11:30 AM and lasting two hours. Seating will be limited, so RSVP soon.

Here are the details:

What: Let’s Fix Construction Workshop

When:  Friday, July 28   11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (90 minutes presentation, 30 minutes Q & A)

Where:  Main conference room, PIVOT Architecture, 44 W. Broadway, downtown Eugene

Cost:  Free (bring your own lunch though)

Session Description:
This session will be an interactive problem-solving event. The class will be divided into “teams.” The organizers will identify a unique problem in architecture, engineering, and construction to each of the teams. A captain will be assigned to each team to ensure all team members participate in the solution.

Each team will have 15 minutes to brainstorm an out-of-the box, collaborative, forward-moving solution to the given problem. At the end of each 15-minute session, each captain will take the floor and have two minutes to present the team’s solution to the room. There will be at least three judges to determine the best forward-thinking solutions for each round.

The intent of this session is to improve communication, collaboration, unique ideas and the sharing of perspectives from different disciplines.

Learning Objectives:

• To identify and learn about common conflicts and issues in AEC identified by industry members firsthand.
• To evaluate the perceived gaps in project delivery that cause these problems.
• To discuss and problem-solve four identified common issues in AEC as a group to learn collaborative and communicative solutions.
• To recognize and identify how brief meetings among AEC team professionals can lead to positive solutions.

Level of Content: 100-300 (100-awareness, 200-understanding/comprehension or 300-application/implementation)

Primary Target Audience and Secondary Target Audience(s): Architects, contractors, engineers, interior designers, manufacturer’s representatives, project managers, and specification consultants. The session would benefit any discipline.

Continuing Education Learning Units:  2 AIA LUs (to be confirmed)

RSVP to Randy Nishimura, AIA, CSI, CCS:  rnishimura@robertsonsherwood.com  before July 25, 2017

Surface into Form

 

Surface into Form is an exhibit by Nancy Yen-wen Cheng, Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Oregon’s College of Design. The exhibit is the product of her ongoing exploration about how designers think and interact with the means at their disposal, most significantly the increasingly powerful digital tools that are an indispensable part of architectural practice today. Additionally, Nancy's research has explored the aesthetic potential of parametrically generated forms, specifically how such forms interact with light to shape spatial experiences. Surface into Form will occur at the Portland office of PLACE, part of that firm’s ongoing series of installations open to the public (much in the spirit of a succession of curated art displays). 

Here is a synopsis of the display: 

How much visual expression can come from a single sheet of material? Exhibit pieces explore how surfaces can be manipulated to bounce light in interesting ways. They show how simple cuts and folds can create complex patterns of flaps or pockets to catch light. For example, a family of geometric patterns incorporate self-clasping hooks designed to pull flexible sheets into saddle forms that juxtapose convex and concave edges. Recent efforts with draped and stretched fabric are motivated by the idea of shaping form and space with minimal means. 

The fabric pieces have been created with Marziah Rajabzadeh and Mohsen Marizad of ZAAD Studio, who excel in conceptual design and digital visualization. Methods to shape light with folded surfaces were developed through teaching in Australia, Germany, China and the U.S. Exhibit support has come from PLACE, Francisco Toledo, Bonnie Jean Dominguez, Tom Coates, and SuperfabPDX. 

What:  Surface into Form, by Nancy Yen-wen Cheng 

When:  June 21 – July 28, 2017  Open M-F 11-5

Where:  PLACE, 735 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 – phone (503) 334-2080 

 

In addition to her exhibit, Nancy invites everyone to three FREE events, also occurring at PLACE: 

OPENING RECEPTION
Wed June 21, 6:00-9:00pm with 7:00pm talk by Nancy Cheng 

• Learn about the origins of the sculptural studies, digital design and fabrication, and related research into airflow around architectural shading screens. https://www.facebook.com/events/1504274479592801 

Workshop: Shaping Light with Folded Surfaces
Saturday, July 8, 12:00-3:00pm

• Experiment with light and shadow effects by manipulating surfaces and material properties.  Learn how curved cuts, folds and clasps can sculpt sheet materials to produce aesthetic forms.  Examine how lighting can transform appearances when capturing photos of work in progress. 

Workshop: Shaping Space with Fabric
Saturday, July 29, 12:00-3:00pm

• What is the most interesting space that can be sculpted with the least material?  Learn about minimal structures through manipulating fabric.  The group will create temporary walls and tent-like enclosures by using bodies, rods and hoops to tension sheet materials.