Pioneer Square, 25 Years On

Portland's Pioneer Square, designed back in 1983, is still looked t as a model of successful public space design. Landscape Architect Doug Macy looks back on the thought that went into the design.

1 minute read

November 10, 2008, 7:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


"The team attempted to address the issue of what defines an American public square – a question that was relevant at a time when the suburbs were drawing people away from downtowns.

Macy and the design team held onto the concept that the square should accommodate a range of activities that "we could or could not imagine," Macy said.

To deliver that concept, Macy and Martin assembled a local consortium that included writers, a historian, a graphic designer and a sculptor."

Friday, November 7, 2008 in Daily Journal of Commerce

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