CENTRAL CITY 2050 DESIGN CHARRETTE
The Architectural Heritage Center (AHC), in collaboration with the City Club of Portland’s Committee on the Built Environment (CoBE), will be hosting a dynamic two-day Visioning Charrette on Friday, June 27th and Saturday, June 28th. The Charrette will convene planners and design professionals, with input from key stakeholders, to generate and illustrate bold design and planning concepts to revitalize and inspire creative solutions for the Central City. City leaders, key stakeholders, and the public are invited to attend the end-of-the-day reviews and a final reception where the work of the day is presented and discussed.
CHARRETTE PROCESS | A core working group, composed of design professionals, will create design concepts and proposals that are reviewed and commented on by stakeholders and the public. Professionals will work in groups assigned to targeted geographic areas, guided by a design leader. Key stakeholders, such as key district leaders and groups active in the study areas, will be invited to work with the core designers at specific times. The Charrette will build upon identified the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT Analysis), current plans, and new ideas for a full cultural, economic, and ecological revitalization of Portland’s Central City. Outcomes will generate inspirational design solutions and advisory recommendations including a proposed framework for a new 2050 Plan.
KEY QUESTIONS | We understand the new normal for post-pandemic Central Cities will be different from the past. There will be fewer office workers to contribute to a vibrant welcoming urban environment. What are shared visions for the future that build upon our legacy of innovative planning? How can our existing buildings and historic fabric be leveraged to support our housing goals, help revitalize our central city and energize our economic recovery downtown? How do we preserve our cultural and civic assets and districts to support a growing economy and city in a sustainable way? What tools do we need?
SCOPE & TIMELINE | The Charrette will focus on three key areas: the downtown core (S. of Burnside), the riverfront, and Central Eastside. Short-term actions may include “urban acupuncture” activations and interventions, whereas medium-term opportunities (5-10 years) and long term plans (2050) can inform recommendations and advance an implementation framework to revitalize Portland´s Central City and create a vision that is more than the sum of its parts.
FREE PUBLIC EVENTS
Pre-event Webinar: Resilient City Making with PSU Prof. Vivek Shandas*
Thursday, June 12, 12:00-1:00 pm
Charrette Public Review Sessions*
Friday, June 27 & Saturday, June 28, 4:00-5:00 pm both days
“Dots & Drinks” Public Reception*
Saturday, June 28th, 5:30-7:00 pm