University of Portland, Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation

Location: Portland

Cost: $38 million (construction only)

Completion: December 2023

Owner/Developer: University of Portland

Architect: Opsis Architecture

Interior Designer: Opsis Architecture

Engineers: KPFF, Interface Engineers, Humber Design Group

General Contractor: Skanska USA

Submitting Company: Skanska USA

Subcontractors: AFP Systems, Anderson Roofing, Anning-Johnson, Carr Construction, Clean World Maintenance, Consurco, Glenco Creations, Heinz Mechanical Industries, Kalesnikoff, KONE, Kraft Masonry, Legend Custom Millwork, Legend Custom Woodworking, MottLab West, NW Flooring Solutions, Overhead Door Co. of Portland, Pacific Window Systems, Peninsulators Northwest, Performance Abatement Services, Performance Contracting, Pioneer Waterproofing, Prestige Tile & Stone, RIXIR Systems, Skyline Sheet Metal, Stoner Electric Group, Weitman Excavation, Western Partitions, Western Wood Structures

The University of Portland Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation spans 43,800 square feet across four levels. It is a campus-wide resource for hands-on design thinking and making.

The first level, at 6,700 square feet, is home to the Propulsion and Combustion Lab with three testing “cells,” two adaptable large project labs and industry partner labs. The second level, with 13,400 square feet, is filled with maker spaces and shop spaces for fabrication and manufacturing of projects, including machines, electronics, welding and wood shop. This level also features open study areas, faculty oversight and instructional space, and 1,200 square feet of industry partner space. The roof of the Partner Suites space creates the flooring foundation for the third level’s covered outdoor study area and viewing terrace.

At 16,020 square feet, the third level houses the Digital Lab, which includes an audio and video studio, ideation lab, and the Pilot Project space and classroom. The lobby has open study and collaborative meeting space. Level 4, at 7,500 square feet, is the only floor without at-grade-level access. It features two design, drawing and art-making studios with an art gallery, kitchenette area and an open study space.

The new facility is built on top of the existing concrete structure of the old Physical Plant, and extensive seismic upgrades were undertaken to ensure safety and longevity. The building combines new and existing concrete structures and features structural steel framing and a Cross Laminated Timber roof structure.

The center’s unique foundation is on three of the four levels, with the building nestled into a sloped hillside. This makes the bottom three floors all at “ground level.” UP wanted to ensure the new building would blend with existing buildings on campus while highlighting its contemporary systems such as glazing and CLT. The masonry patterns of nearby Shiley and Mehling halls were used as inspiration, resulting in a facade that honors the past while looking toward the future.

The center is targeting LEED Gold certification. A solar array will power at least 24 percent of the building’s energy needs, while optimized daylighting strategies and radiant heating and cooling systems will reduce its environmental footprint.

Copyright © 2024 BridgeTower Media. All Rights Reserved.