TYPE_ Academic Architecture Studio
ROLE_ Design, 3D Modeling, Animation, Rendering
Fall 2019
At the heart of Portland International Raceway, amidst the adrenaline of high-speed races, lies an unexpected sanctuary of diverse, verdant landscapes. The project, "Performative Landscapes," embarked on a journey to reimagine the spaces between the racetrack's architecture, sparking a curiosity about designing for a broader spectrum of inhabitants, both human and non-human.
Initially conceived to enhance the human experience around the raceway, my focus shifted upon witnessing the site's existing conditions: a mix of manicured monoculture grassland and neglected dumping grounds. This observation led me to ponder the potential of the landscape if allowed to evolve without human interference, straddling the line between cultivated land and untamed nature.
This project explores the thresholds of transition—where pavement gives way to grass, forests merge into water, and man-made structures blend seamlessly with the natural world. My approach involved crafting spaces that accommodate the myriad forms of life that might inhibit or pass through the raceway's grounds.
A key innovation in the design was the use of concrete walls, poured into uniquely shaped earth molds and then erected to create structures with a dual texture: one side rough and fractalized for various species' habitation, and the other smooth and contoured for human interaction. This technique, alongside the study of procedural textures, guided our exploration of potential habitats and their architectural integration.
Beyond these structural interventions, I designed a series of smaller, functional nodes that serve both the raceway’s needs and as habitats. These nodes, equipped with biodegradable interiors, are conceived to gracefully return to the earth, leaving behind concrete remnants as shelters for future generations of fauna.
"Performative Landscapes" is a project about coexistence and the delicate dance between human activity and the natural world. It’s a vision of a future where architecture not only accommodates but celebrates the diversity of life, fostering an environment where every creature, great and small, can find refuge amidst the roar of the raceway.