One of the joys of being a landscape architect is that no matter where I go, there is always something interesting to pay attention to. When I travel, I seek out known landscape architectural works, as well as immerse myself in the environment to discover the sense of the place. It is great fun to roam about and analyze which qualities are working and which are not, and to store those ideas away for some future project!
Last spring I had a chance to visit Portland, Oregon, and jumped at the opportunity to seek out two urban parks by one of the twentieth century’s greatest landscape architects: Lawrence Halprin. Trained first as a botanist and then turning to landscape architecture, Halprin defied any single description, conforming instead to a multitude of labels: artist, scientist, philosopher, teacher, coach, therapist, author, naturalist, planner, choreographer, activist. By approaching each project from so many points of view, his work has always been visionary. His vast repertoire of work spans everything from urban renewal to suburban sprawl, from gardens to housing, from memorials to fountains. A common denominator through all this work is a sensitivity to environmental issues, including depletion of natural resources, and much of his work raises awareness of the impact of man on nature.
There are two fountains in downtown Portland, both true gems that provide unexpected respite within the fabric of the city and both worth visiting. Here I highlight Ira’s Fountain which completely surpassed my expectations. Angela Danadjieva, lead designer at Lawrence Halprin and Associates, took her inspiration from the Columbia River Gorge not far away. Her previous career as a Constructivist set designer in Bulgaria is apparent in the interlocking forms that represent mountain cliffs. The fountain opened in 1970 and seems to have weathered well.
Layered concrete walls enclose portions of the park to create a refuge, frame views and direct circulation. Water spills over abstract interlocking cubes, splashing into and out of pools, just as water cascades down mountain streams into pools. Concrete stepping stones allude to boulders, and invite the visitor to navigate across this man-made river or stop and linger, enjoying the spectacle of the water display. The rippled walls of falling water create sprays that drown out the sounds of the city, and it is possible to be completely transported into a faraway place. This is an interactive experience, drawing people into the fountain to enjoy water from all angles: from below and above, from front and from back, to hear it and feel it and see it. It is a playful experience and a startling contrast to the surrounding city.
This is definitely my top attraction in the city of Portland and well worth a visit!
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