University of Oregon Master's Thesis Monograph

Page 33

Crescent Park: East Bank 2040 Master Plan, 1998

Prepared by Philip Goff & Joseph Karman for the University of Oregon

This plan is a large-scale urban plan that explores the removal of the I-5 freeway from the East Bank of downtown Portland. On the site just north of the current Marquam Bridge, a 600-foot fragment of the former freeway is retained as a sculptural element and a form generator. The area becomes a grassy amphitheater that creates a dialogue with “the bowl” on the west side of the river. The space between the columns is infilled with buildings, and there are two large circulation towers that allow visitors to go up to the decks of the former freeway. The lower level is enclosed to create a gallery space for OMSI and the upper level becomes a public park. This becomes a major tourist attraction and viewing point for the city. The fragment of the freeway will have a powerful presence as a piece of Portland history. It will be a man-made icon that is unique to Portland and represents Portland’s stance on transportation.

Urban Waterfronts Thesis 2011-2012

33


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.