Oregon Made: Discover Northwest Regional Modernism

presents

OREGON MADE: Discover Northwest Regional Modernism,

a presentation and panel discussion

Join Restore Oregon and special guests for a presentation and panel discussion about Pacific Northwest Regionalism, from what it was inspired by to who the key architects were, what made it special, and how it is significant in Oregon. In addition, our panelists will share how they see its progression and how to stay true to the style while modernizing historic mid-century homes.

Over the years, Restore Oregon has been proud to highlight the architectural history of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest through our lectures and tours. This year, we are excited to provide foundational knowledge for the Modernism style specific to our region.

Although Modernism can be traced back to the European Bauhaus movement in the 1920s, Modern Architecture in America began to gain momentum in the 1930s. This was both out of necessity and a desire to forge a new path. Lifestyles were changing, and architects took notice as they worked to design more functional spaces and structures, including flexible, open-plan living. As the importance of the interior experience grew, the focus on detail and ornamentation of the exterior fell. In addition, many materials were depleted during the war, leading to a deliberate use of raw, local materials and newer building materials made possible by technological advances.

In the Pacific Northwest, architects forged their path with their own interpretation of these principles, reflecting the rugged beauty of our mountain, ocean, river, desert, and especially forest landscapes and bringing the outdoors in by utilizing natural materials such as local wood and stone.

Panelist: Bill Willingham

William F. Willingham, Ph. D. has taught at the college level, served as a District and Division Historian for the Corps of Engineers, and worked as a consulting historian. He specializes and has written widely in the fields of water resources development, architectural history, historic preservation, cultural resources management, community history, and Early American and Pacific Northwest history.

Major publications include Army Engineers and the Development of Oregon (1983), Waterpower in the Wilderness: A History of the Bonneville Lock and Dam (1987), Northwest Passages: A History of the Seattle District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, vols. 1 and 2 (1992, 2006), The Classic Houses of Portland, Oregon, 1850-1950 (co-author, 1999), Starting Over: Community Building on the Eastern Oregon Frontier (2005), Grit and Ink: An Oregon Family’s Adventures in Newspapering, 1908-2018 (2018), Collegiate Architecture in the West: Willamette University, 1842-2012 (2019), and Civil Works for the Public Good: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Deal, 1929-1941(2024).

Panelist: Risa Boyer, AIA

Risa founded Risa Boyer Architecture, a boutique full-service architecture and design firm, in Los Angeles before relocating the firm to Portland in 2008. Risa Boyer Architecture specializes in modern, timeless residences and creative environments. Open spaces, natural light and a strong connection between the indoors and outdoors define Risa’s work. She believes good design can happen with any budget, small details are as vital as the big picture, and that the best kind of architecture enhances quality of life while bringing pleasure to its inhabitants.

Her work has been published in Dwell, Residential Design, 1889 Magazine, Atomic Ranch, GRAY Magazine, Portland Monthly, The Oregonian, and more. In 2024, her work on the Glen Road project was awarded Gray Breakout Award 2024 - Kitchen and Gray People’s Choice Award 2024 - Kitchen, as well as being featured in Dwell and Residential Design. Risa is a registered architect licensed in Oregon, Washington and California and has over 27 years of architectural experience. Learn more about Risa and her work at www.risaboyer.com.

Panelist: Bill Tripp

William Tripp is a Portland architect, artist and teacher. Bill received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon in 1978 and did graduate work at Princeton University. His research has been recognized with a Fulbright Award, the Ion Lewis Fellowship and a Van Evera Bailey Fellowship.

After working for some of Portland’s major architectural firms Bill opened his own office in 1991. His practice is dedicated to the design of houses, churches, urban spaces, theater sets, and memorials. The search for meaning in human experience and its expression in the design of ritual space is a common thread running through his work.

Notable projects include the remodel of Pietro Belluschi’s Central Lutheran Church; the art exhibition system for Alvar Aalto’s Mt. Angel Abby Library; the WWII Memorial competition entry; and the Packer Residence.

In addition to his professional practice, Bill has taught design, theory, and drawing at Oregon School of Design, Portland State University and at the University of Oregon where he was director of the Portland Summer Studio program. He is a guest speaker on the work of Alvar Aalto; architectural drawing; ritual space; and contemporary issues of architectural practice.

Oregon Made: Discover Northwest Regional Modernism

presents