FAMILIARIZE THE DEFAMILIARIZED Under the I-405 bridge exists a creature estranged from any other part of Portland. Its density and chaos render it unfamiliar with the surroundings. And yet, this place carries many things that were once fundamental to urban life: small houses, neighborhood theater, outdoor market, communal playgrounds, etc. There are no streets nor imposed circulation, only a curvy landscape that activates human movements. A paradox of city and village living within itself, this strange creature exists in the heart of Portland questions the fundamentals of a good urban life.
FAMILIARIZE THE DEFAMILIARIZED Under the I-405 bridge exists a creature estranged from any other part of Portland. Its density and chaos render it unfamiliar with the surroundings. And yet, this place carries many things that were once fundamental to urban life: small houses, neighborhood theater, outdoor market, communal playgrounds, etc. There are no streets nor imposed circulation, only a curvy landscape that activates human movements. A paradox of city and village living within itself, this strange creature exists in the heart of Portland questions the fundamentals of a good urban life.
HOUSE x COMMUNAL GARDEN
HOUSE X SLIDE
HOUSES X SHARED BALCONY
HOUSE X OUTDOOR CINEMA
.
+
10
20
20 20
LIVE SMALL
TRADE SMALL
LIVE WITH EVERYONE
A 20’x20’ house comprises a living unite for one person. These units could stack (up to 2 floors) or attach to house families of 3 or 4 .
Housing is mixed with 10’x20’ units of shops or food vendors, allowing the vibrancy of trade to be part of the “neighborhood”.
Through the use of simple elements like stairs, porches and most importantly terrain landscape, Each house is modified to accomodate communal activities around them.
HOUSE X FOOD VENDOR
A NEW TOWN Each unit is located at one point on a 20’x20’ grid. The grid repeats the square grid of Portland while the rotation allows for more interaction between buildings and creates weaving circulation. Rotation and sizing of each unit also create many urban conditions suitable for theater or religious service. The creature imitates its larger city, yet becomes much more playful.
RELIGIOUS SERVICE
MARKET
PLAYGROUND
COMMUNAL SEATINGS
THEATER
THANH NGYEN B.ARCH 2018, CORNELL UNIVERSITY Eventbrite receipt: 427710728 ttn35@cornell.edu 607-379-5535