On April 3, the Portland chapter of the AIA launched Stitch II, a competition for students and emerging designers to propose ideas for re-purposing space under a bridge on Interstate 405 for use by the two active communities it connects—the Pearl District and the Alphabet neighborhood. The competition challenges entrants to respond to the neighboring context and the needs of the city, especially its homeless population. The program is open to all types of entries, but the chapter recommends proposals for a mix of transitional housing, short-term shelters, homeless services, and public space.
The top three winners will receive monetary rewards of $500, $200, and $100, respectively. The three winning proposals, and any honorable mentions, will be displayed on the AIA Portland website and at the Center for Architecture's gallery in Portland.
Last year’s competition invited designers to submit proposals for capping a portion of Interstate 405, bridging the downtown to the Goose Hollow neighborhood and the Stadium District. After receiving more than 40 submissions, the jury shortlisted 10 entries and from those selected three winners. The chapter is now compiling the winners and shortlisted entries into a book to send to the City of Portland and other local agencies in an effort to inspire ideas for future development.
Register here for Stitch II and submit your entries by June 1. Winners will be announced June 9.
