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Design students from around the world recently reimagined the ODOT blocks in Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District.

Mackenzie partnered with NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego for an integrated design studio. It drew more than 80 participants, including about 20 students from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia who collaborated virtually.

The ODOT blocks presented students an opportunity to learn about urban analysis, site selection criteria for resilient urban development, design parameters, and design methods and tools. The students based their proposals on real client needs and constraints within Portland’s municipal code, and received input from Mackenzie and Beam Development.

鈥淭hrough direct experience with projects such as the ODOT blocks, students get to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of integrated design and are better prepared to enter architectural practice that is defined by complex relationships throughout the community,鈥� stated Daniel Deutsch, studio coordinator and head of architecture programs at NewSchool of Architecture and Design.

The ODOT blocks comprise three vacant parcels 鈥� formerly owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation 鈥� along Southeast Water Avenue. Prosper Portland purchased the land for $2.485 million.

The Daily Journal of Commerce reported in April 2020 that Prosper Portland’s board voted to authorize negotiations with Beam Development for a ground lease and a disposition and development agreement for one of the three vacant blocks. Beam would also have exclusive development rights for the other two blocks.

The students’ completed design work will be shared with the client, Mackenzie’s marketing director, Jan Mason, said.