On op-ed in the Oregonian makes the case for Portland to design and build a unique architectural icon that differentiates the city from its rivals in the Pacific Northwest.
"In public consciousness, most seem to associate [Portland] with our most publicized clichés: food trucks, biking culture and hipsters. But even if we can rightfully blame 'Portlandia' for perpetuating these clichés, it's hard to deny that there's nothing memorable about our skyline," according to an op-ed by Jason Shadel.
Shadel cites the economic impacts of icons like the CN Tower in Tornoto and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to make the case for the potential of a unique architectural feature to define the skyline of cities and attract millions of tourists every year.
But, Shadel warns, Portland should endeavor to design an icon that fits the city's unique qualities:
I don't believe Portland needs a Space Needle. That would be counterproductive. The idea of erecting an iconic architectural structure — one that's not an office building and one featuring a publicly accessible viewing deck — is to further differentiate Portland from other regional cities like Vancouver and Seattle. This should be a challenge to architects to design something that's uniquely Portland, something that reflects the spirit of a city whose pioneering urban planning has emphasized density over sprawl.
FULL STORY: Portland needs an architectural icon (OPINION)

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont