One of the most activist-forward cities in America, Portland Oregon has more venture capitalists per capita making microloans to developing countries and sustainability initiatives than anywhere else in the USA. The vision was to focus on the people of Portland and celebrate a bold progressive city and its global impact on environmental activism.
The transformation of this older Marriott started with reconfiguring the lobby level and second floor. The goal was to feature local artists and installations that were exploring the struggle for sustainable environmentalism. Thin, vertically sliced slabs of storm-downed Douglas Fir trees line the lobby walls and a sculptural installation of lit alder trees greet arriving guests. The entry chandelier is an original sculptural of thinly sliced back lit veneers. Everything is designed to spread a filtered and organic warm light. The new industrial glass and steel staircase replaces the former traditional spiral stairwell and leads guests up to the restaurant and lounge above and its 40’ long bar overlooking the city below.
The goal was to capture the relaxed attitude of the Pacific Northwest and lifestyle with a fusion of an art gallery and a living room. Guestrooms were designed with a Nordic flavour with light woods, white walls and organic natural textures and colours. In a city known for grey skies and dark winters, DDA wanted to go with a contemporary attitude with the warmth of hand-woven wool area rugs and end-cut headboards.
Artisan skills were used throughout the project, with the wood slab wall panels being specifically cut for the hotel. DDA went to the lumber mill with the clients and selected the trees based on their sap wood. The mill they selected specializes in downed old growth trees harvested in National Parks. All of the art in the hotel was original and many items were specifically produced for this hotel. Dozens of local artisans were involved in the project, even creating hand-made cardboard light fixtures.
