Well, it’s November and I’m halfway through the first quarter of 3 this year.  In time (maybe later this week), I’ll begin to post some stuff on my first studio project.  But so far, the program has been great and there are some key differences which make it a nice change from UW-Milwaukee’s program.  While UWM had a good urban area to study in, so does UofO.  The program here is definetly urban centric, but instead of rather dull studies that leaned to the feasible and economic side at UWM, here we are let loose a bit more and can truly explore urban options rigorously. IE Think Big.

Another key quality has been the focus on building shape and forms that are created from urban space, not the other way around.  This greatly helps shape and influence your building in a different manner.  Looking at a larger context first,  then designing the building creates architecture that fits into the urban fabric.

The last bit of info I feel that is a welcome relief, is that there is less emphasis on working with architecture program (first) and creating forms and spaces instead that respond to building typology and urban context.  While creating program and spaces is always important and crucial to consider, it is a nice change of pace.

That is all.

THE JOURNEY out to Portland was a memorable one.  We enjoyed the picturesque views and having our children (actually they’re cats) Kaitlynn and Boots with us during the 4 day trip.  Surprisingly the cats didn’t whine as much as I thought, they were knocked up on calming treats and spray to reduce the anxiety.

Our route on I-80 was easier than the one we took before.  The less scenic route perhaps in Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming.  However, once in Utah the scenery got better. Once along I-84 in Oregon we encountered the most incredible vista at the top of the Pendleton Pass. If you ever get the opportunity to travel this route, make sure to stop and enjoy the view the elevation at 5,000 ft (because you then descend 2400 ft in 6 miles, yikes).

WE REACHED PORTLAND around 3pm on Wednesday (8/26) after approximately 34 hours of driving.  We instantly unpacked the car when we arrived at our new home;  a double studio (600sf)  located in the Northwest District of Portland.  See map: Brian and Amanda’s Location (the street view is our building).

The apartment is in great condition and will hopefully be our only place we live while in Portland. We dread the thought of moving elsewhere.

We received our “Relocube” or storage moving container the following day and unpacked all of the contents which also amazingly fit our 5-piece sectional sofa (Yay!).  The sofa was our bed for a few nights until we made it to IKEA, our first visit ever, to purchase our futon.  If you decide to visit us in Portland and would like free housing, the sofa is an amazing bed so we can guarantee a comfy stay.

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD is a bustling and beautiful area. We are located on the northeast corner of NW 20th Avenue and Northrup Street. The 21st-23rd avenues have markets, groceries, great boutiques, restaurants, bars and hair studios. It is a mix of higher-end places and affordable dining. We found a fantastic brew-pub like place (Blue Moon) our first day which reminded us of The Great Dane in Madison. It was a great find and will definitely take advantage of their $2.00 pints of McMenamins beer for happy hour.

The public transportation is phenomenal.  We live directly on the streetcar line which takes you into the  City Center but there are also bus stops, aka The Metra, and Max-lines which are light rail trains.  We have not yet had a need to use these since we are within walking distance of nearly anything you’ll ever need.

The University of Oregon is located along the Willamette River on Couch Street and 2nd Avenue in the City Center of Portland, is an easy bike ride away.  We walked to the school which turned out to be longer than we anticipated, about 40 minutes one-way or a 1.5 miles. I will be starting school the 29th of September and really looking forward to having a structured schedule.

Amanda is job-hunting yet but feeling optimistic.  We live only blocks from at least five firms we have already spotted from our frequent walks.  Amanda will visit the firms she is interested in and drop-off her resume to hopefully make a personal connection to the firms.

THE WEATHER has been fantastic thus far.  It tends to be cloudy until 10am and then becomes sunny and warm. The temperature has averaged around 82 degrees lately with no humidity. We are curious about how the winter will be but at least it will not get below 30 degrees too often!

Below are various images of the inside of our place, outside and the cats.  Enjoy!

Now that I have the layout to my desires I can begin an introductory post.  This blog will eventually chronicle some of my studio projects that I’ll be working on (for the most part) while I complete my Masters Degree in Architecture at University of Oregon.  Also included will be posts about subject matter which I deam appropriate, hopefully sparking some conversation.  So stay tuned!