Broadening the Discussion

The Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) and the independent PDXplore design collective have partnered to present Crossing the Columbia: What Does it Mean? The forum will provide opportunities to consider and discuss the Columbia River Crossing, an urban infrastructure project of national relevance that demands a clear vision of its far-reaching economic, ecological, cultural and social impacts.

All events take place at Pacific Northwest College of Art, and are free and open to the public. Please see the Events page for more details.

PDXplore: Expanding Design Awareness
March 22 - 26, 2010

Come explore several perspectives about the Columbia River Crossing project presented by the five members of the independent design collective PDXplore: Rudy Barton, Carol Mayer-Reed, Mike McCulloch, Rick Potestio and Bill Tripp. The large-scale exhibition will feature each designer's questions, responses, ideas and individual approaches to the Columbia River Crossing project and its regional impact.

Where:
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Swigert Commons

Opening Reception
Monday, March 22, 5:30-7pm, (tour begins at 6pm)

AFO and PDXplore welcome the public to join them in celebration at the opening of the exhibition. A tour led by the PDXplore design collective will begin at 6pm, offering the public an opportunity to learn more about the individual designers' approaches and ask questions.

Where:
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Swigert Commons

Columbia River Crossing: An evening with members of the CRC Project Team
Tuesday, March 23, 6-8pm

Hear from staff of the CRC and the cities of Portland and Vancouver as they detail the progress made thus far on the project and discuss next steps. The public will have the opportunity to learn about the efforts being made to improve safety, extend light rail, add bicycle/pedestrian paths, and support smart community growth. The staff will also report how community input has thus far informed the bridge, transit and interchange designs.

Where:
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Swigert Commons

Transportation Lessons from Scandinavia: Oresund Bridge & the Columbia River Crossing
Wednesday, March 24, 1-2pm

Gail Achterman, Chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission, is a leading state and national natural resource and environmental expert with policy-making experience at the state, local and federal level. Her annotated slide show will illustrate notes and reflections from a recent trip to Scandinavia to study best practices in sustainable development.

Where:
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Main Campus Building
Room 201, 1241 NW Johnson St.

International Panel: Fresh Design Perspectives
Thursday, March 25, 6-8pm

Join moderator Ethan Seltzer as he leads a provocative discussion about the Columbia River Crossing with international experts in the fields of design, culture and urban planning. Panelists include: Boston Globe architecture critic, Robert Campbell; artist, Ed Carpenter; outgoing National Endowment for the Arts Director of Design, Maurice Cox; Toronto architect and urban design consultant, Ken Greenberg; and author of The Organic Machine: The Remaking of the Columbia River, Stanford Professor Richard White.

Where:
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Swigert Commons