© GreenWorks PC
An Oasis in the Middle of the City
Once a wetland that was cut through by Tanner Creek and bordered by the expansive Willamette River, the Pearl District underwent a transformation due to the encroachment of rail yards and industrial development. In the past three decades, a fresh, diverse, and vibrant neighborhood has steadily emerged. Today, the Pearl District accommodates a mix of residents, families, and enterprises. As this district continues its growth, expanding into the remaining rail yards, the City of Portland enlisted the services of Atelier Dreiseitl to craft a new park that would introduce green spaces to what was once an entirely industrial landscape.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Portland's Pearl District, Tanner Springs Park, spanning one acre, shines as a verdant oasis in the urban landscape, offering a tranquil escape from the urban hustle and bustle. In its earlier days, this area, once a wetland, found itself divided by Tanner Creek and bordered by the expansive Willamette River. The initial land development was marked by the encroachment of rail yards and industrialization. Over the course of the last three decades, a lively and contemporary neighborhood has flourished, characterized by its youthfulness, diversity, urban flair, and dynamic atmosphere.
DREISEITLconsulting
Park Design, Landscape Architecture, Water Design, Blue-Green Infrastructure, and Art
Location
Portland, Oregon, United States of America
Collaborators
GreenWorks PC
Client
Portland Parks and Recreation
Timeline
Design: 2002- 2004
Construction: 2004- 2005, 2010
Site Area
0.4 ha / 1 acre
Award
ASLA Oregon 2006, ULI Open Space Award Finalist 2011
Design Review Com. 2003
Status
Completed
*This project was originally produced by Atelier Dreiseitl under the leadership of Herbert Dreiseitl. Since its merger in the year 2013 with the Ramboll Group A/S this project and the copyright is owned by Ramboll.
The City of Portland, Oregon, chose to go down this ecological path with the regeneration of an old, industrial downtown city neighbourhood, the Pearl District.
The park is like a viewport to the past. The long-forgotten wetland habitat is restored to the full glory of its plants and animals. Little springs bubble up at the top of a large open grassy meadow, trickling down to a wetland pond, sunken 1.8 meters below street level.
© Dimitra Theochari
With meticulous precision resembling surgical artistry, the urban skin of a single downtown block, measuring 80 by 80 meters (200 by 200 feet), is delicately peeled away. Time rewinds and the narrative of land development retraces its steps to a time before human intervention. The park acts as a window to the past, where the once-forgotten wetland ecosystem is meticulously restored to its former splendor, complete with its diverse array of flora and fauna. Small springs gently emerge at the pinnacle of a spacious open grassy expanse, meandering downwards to a wetland pond nestled 1.8 meters below street level.
More than 300 citizens were involved in three public events where art, imaginative brainstorming and planning workshops informed and inspired the design process. The park represents the authentic fulfillment of aspirations and desires from a diverse community.
A floating pontoon gracefully traverses the water, seemingly gliding over its concealed and ever-changing depths. On one side of the pond, historic railroad tracks, aptly referred to as the 'Art Wall,' create a striking visual with a juxtaposition of the enduring solidity of the rail tracks against the flexible and undulating motion of the wall. This dynamic structure gracefully oscillates inward and outward, with its top rising and falling, creating a harmonious contrast symbolic of the city's historical fabric.
The Art Wall is 60 metres long and composed of 368 rails. 99 pieces of fused glass are inset with images of dragonflies, spiders, amphibians and insects like animals captured in amber, creatures of times and habitats long gone. The images were hand-painted by artist Herbert Dreiseitl directly on Portland glass, which was then fused and melted to achieve the final effect.
Tanner Springs Park is a model of embracing historic local ecology and demonstrating sustainable practices. Three of the sides of the sunken park are lined with steps allowing a terraced, permeable edge for visitors to enter, exit, and sit. It successfully brings together visitors and residents to the former ecology and explains the rich local history of the area.
