This report describes a new vision for the city of Tigard; one that can realize the city’s goals in the downtown area and could conceivably chart a new path for growth centered around the possibility of light rail transit. The students participating in the PSU Urban Design Workshop were encouraged to think radically and imaginatively in order to see beyond current trends in suburban development. To this end, students identified contextual forces within the downtown Tigard area, on both on a regional level and on a broader societal scale in general. These forces, which are detailed below could be coupled with the city’s goals and inspiration from planning theory to yield a set of defining principles that we believe could inspire a new standard of suburban livability.
Once established, the students refined their principles in an iterative process of data gathering, observation, research, mapping, and sketching. That exercise resulted in the creation of resource flow diagrams and the development of a new land use framework for downtown Tigard. The land use concept proposes an innovative model of mixed-use zoning concepts, density via a massing gradient, and a reimaging of street design and natural spaces within the existing urban fabric. The downtown was divided into five districts with varying design elements and uses. Using these concepts for the entire downtown, students developed individual subarea concepts exploring the design of specific elements of the study area. Two students chose to study downtown districts, which they called “The Innovation District” and the “Red Rock Creek District,” respectively. Additionally, a concept was developed for the integration of natural
spaces, which was subsequently named “Green Fingers” by the students. Finally, a new concept for street development was proposed for downtown Tigard that catered to pedestrians above all other modes of transportation.
Subarea concepts, in conjunction with the land use framework developed for the downtown area, were chosen for their potential for future development in area after the planned light rail transit project is developed. The students assumed that public investment could be leveraged to develop a livable, walkable, and sustainable future for Tigard if city officials could take action on a new pattern of development. This would require significant public and private investment; however, by developing a broader framework for growth, piecemeal investments could eventually yield the visionary outcomes set forth in this report.
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
Tim Smith
Urban Design
Local Government / Community Contact
Jeb Doran
Senior Project Manager