EXPERIMENTAL MIXED-USE

bend, oregon

WHAT ROLE DOES THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT PLAY IN THE CREATION OF CIVIC IDENTITY?

In this largely theoretical studio we experimented with different ways to explore design problems. The first two projects we had were to visualize the project with a set of perspectives and study the city with a map.

I wanted to map the city of Bend in a more accessible way. By drawing the map in perspective it relates more to personal experiences and physical conditions than a conventional map would.

This process gave me the tools to recognize the unique characteristic of Bend as a nomadic, technology driven, and outdoorsy town.

layers of temporality

One of the main concepts of this project was the idea of a structure being as temporary as a vacation and also keeping the community alive while its main residents are gone. This idea manifested itself as a hybrid of a campsite and an airbnb-like framework. Using technology to fill empty vacation homes could bring a cooperative community life into the city.

the nomad

A lot of the residential areas around downtown bend are vacation homes that are often left unoccupied. This strange vacation home typology got me thinking about how one might design a framework for a community of vacationers. That community could be more inclusive and affordable if it was built and kept up by its residents working like a cooperative timeshare.

SUPER DRAWING - SITE AXON

This drawing explores the different moments that could occur throughout the various layers of the project, from temporary campsites to rentable vacation condos the site becomes a diverse community of nomadic people. Mirroring and supporting the culture that already exists in bend.