Tigard, a suburb of Portland, Oregon, is interested in a new urban design vision as a new MAX light rail line is proposed to extend through the city. TriMet and the city of Tigard partnered with a University of Oregon graduate architecture seminar and design studio to envision a new plan and identity for the city. The city of Tigard sees this new transit line as an opportunity on many levels. Tigard aims to be the “most walkable city in the Pacific Northwest,” which could include a shift from its current identity as a transit line transfer point into a destination for visitors and commuters. With a new light rail line making travel to downtown Portland and surrounding
suburbs easier, the city of Tigard sees opportunity for growth and development, and the potential to redefine some of its city goals.
Student teams of three to four members tackled these issues and presented proposals for a new town center in Tigard. Though each team proposed unique schemes, there are similar issues and goals. Some key focus areas include:
• Creating a public “place” and identity where the MAX light rail stops in Tigard
• Creating a connection to the existing town
• Celebrating Fanno Creek, a natural area and trail system located west of downtown
• Re-designing Hall Boulevard to become safer and more accessible for pedestrians
• Redefining the city grid and creating more manageable block sizes
The following proposals have various approaches to urban design and the future vision for the city of Tigard, but all make an effort toward sustainable urban design. Through effective street design, stormwater management, pedestrian-focused public spaces, mixed-use development strategies, and more, these proposals aim to develop Tigard into a place where people want to live, develop, and enjoy public spaces.
Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.
Sustainable City Year Program Contact Info
Megan Banks
Sustainable City Year Program Manager
mbanks@uoregon.edu
(541) 346-6395
University Faculty Contact
Nico Larco
Architecture
Professor
nlarco@uoregon.edu
Local Government / Community Contact
Jeb Doran
TriMet
Senior Project Manager
doranj@trimet.org
503-962-2142