Architecture, Fall 2009

The task for this term was to design a community center/hostel/pub for fishermen in Newport, Oregon’s largest commercial fishermen’s port. The site was located directly across the street from the dock, so this was to be a center of activity for fishermen and their families. Accommodating their needs proved tricky; we needed to create spaces for retail, offices, laundry, gear storage, chapel, meeting space, game room, living space, etc. And to make the task even more difficult, we had a steeply sloping site.

With all the complexity, I tried to simplify where I could. I positioned most of the building on the front part of the site where the ground was flat. This also helped the building engage the street front and continue the fabric of Bay Boulevard. Instead of expressing every different space in the façade and shape of the building, I made the building a simple “L” shape and positioned important spaces at the elbow of the L. I liked picking a simple shape and using its inherent hierarchy.

My reviewers were helpful, especially with giving me ideas for the front façade. They appreciated that I tried to create an orderly system and then break it at key places (the entrance, at the elbow of the L), but they thought I could’ve went even further. I agree, the façade is okay, but boring. I’m still playing it safe because I’m new to this and just trying not to screw up (design-wise). I hope that will change next term.