PDX: code name for terrific. Also short for Portland, Oregon – a place we will be calling home for the next couple of years.

After doing research on graduate school programs, the University of Oregon became my top pick after discovering their satellite architecture school in Portland. Ultimately, these nearly two years in Dallas have given me time to decide to pursue a Masters Degree in Architecture with an emphasis on Urban Design. Something in between architecture and urban planning – design in the city. I believe in the city. It is only in the city that you can find high population densities, potential for mass-transit networks and a diverse quantity of business opportunities, large and small. Opportunities to create social interaction between people and within the built environment are endless. I believe that we are at the beginning of the movement of migration from the suburbs back into the urban core of the city and I want to be among those to encourage and make possible this growth and re-urbanization of the American city. Thus, I was seeking to attend a graduate program located in a livable city. Francis DuBose writes, “I choose the city… Not simply to live in it, to see it, to hear it; but to touch it; yes to embrace it, to hold it…” Portland to me is this city, the city upon a hill. In addition to the research I have done on the city, my short visit quickly made me aware of Portland’s progressive and dynamic personality: independent and homegrown-spirited businesses, city-wide recycling and eco-minded initiatives, accommodation for cyclist and commuter alike, commitment to the urban growth boundary, and a flourishing downtown, surrounded by vibrant historic neighborhoods. Portland is where I want to be. Studying at the UO campus in the heart of downtown would give me unmatched opportunity to witness the design principles and processes I would be learning firsthand.

Applying to grad school and working was no easy task. It meant coming home, after working 9+ hours on a computer, and picking up on portfolio updates, application coordination and essay writing. There was not much blogging to be had for sure. I was able to submit to several schools in December and January and began the three long months of waiting. But I can say now that the work has paid off in full. We were blessed to receive good news from a few backup schools last week and before. And finally, this past Friday, March 18 – we finally got the notice we were waiting for. To wrap up a very long story and emotional roller-coaster ride, I was accepted to the University of Oregon, Masters of Architecture Program in Portland starting Fall term 2011. Hooray! This was such exciting news for us and we look forward to beginning this next chapter of our lives living on the west coast.

We have a lot of logistical planning and preparation to begin thinking about these next few months. Like how to transport the belongings of our home 31 hours away from here, safely and affordably. Suggestions are welcome!

In the meantime, I thought I would share a few photos of my trip to Portland. Over Thanksgiving weekend 2010, I took a 3-day holiday to travel the city (all by foot or public transit!) and see what I could see. This post has been long-in-coming.

These were a few shots from the tram as I rode from the airport into town over the Willamette River. If you squint at the above photo, to the left you can see the famous “Portland, Oregon” sign, previously the “Made in Oregon” sign. Just below it is the UO campus in the White Stag Block.on the Willamette River.

I stayed at the fantastical Ace Hotel, per recommendation from Design*Sponge’s city guide. I have never experienced anything like it and I will stay no where else when I visit the cities of Portland, Seattle, New York or Palm Springs. I would classify this location’s personality as mid-century bohemian. Clean lines, simplistic, honest. And the room was very comfortable for its size. It was probably not more than 3-350 square feet and featured a closet, lavatory, toilet room, shower and plenty of floor space.

Each bed is tucked in with a custom Pendleton wool blanket, made locally of course.

The radio was set to local jazz station, KHMD, and has been my musical companion ever since

Every detail was covered: Eames shell chairs, local snacks, vintage postcard, brand graphics on everything…

Even custom wall art. Apparently each room features work from a local Portlander. I can’t wait to see more.

This was pretty neat. The window shade (not pictured) is mounted at the bottom of the frame and this pulley draws the shade upward. Maybe this is how everyone works their shades in the Northwest but a different take nonetheless.

Okay forgive me for taking a picture in the shower (which was just a glass enclosure in the corner of the room) but these Malin+Goetz products were great. Especially that peppermint shampoo. An incredible scent with great packaging. I might have bought some from the front desk upon leaving…

Views out my second floor window:

It is late but there is much more to come. Stay tuned for Portland, Part 02.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 21st, 2011 at 2:28 AM and is filed under graphics, travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.