Pioneer Courthouse Square
Founding members of the firm Marc Bevens and Cameron Hyde served on the original design team for Pioneer Courthouse Square, a large, outdoor public plaza designed by the late Will Martin. This project gave Soderstrom Architects the unique opportunity to participate in the creation of a vital and central outdoor “room” that captures the spirit of unification and diversity in Portland.
Previously a parking lot, Pioneer Courthouse Square has since earned its title as “Portland’s Downtown Living Room.” The lower Square is used for large performances and a speaker’s podium is provided for smaller gatherings. The square has many design features that invite people to visit or stop there, but it is also designed to support pedestrian traffic and Portland’s transit system.
Client
City of Portland
Project Type
Public Plaza
Construction Type
New Construction
Location
Portland, Oregon
Size
40,000 SF
Components
public plaza, fountain, outdoor seating
Recognition
Progressive Architecture Honor Award, 1981
Great Park Place Award, Project for Public Spaces Urban Parks Institute, 2001
4th Best Public Square in the World, Project for Public Spaces, 2004
3rd Best Public Square in the US and Canada, Project for Public Spaces, 2005-current
Top 10 Great Public Spaces in America, American Planning Association, 2008
More Projects
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Trammell Crow Company
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