Tsunami Memorial

After following news reports focusing on tsunami debris washing ashore on the Oregon Coast, the Japanese dock on Agate Beach in particular, we began to understand the unique and important opportunity presented to Oregon citizens:  transform these debris into something important.  Make something beautiful.  Create Place.

Fueled by a newfound connection to what was viewed as rubbish by many, we developed a conceptual memorial design. We presented it to both the City of Newport and the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center, with hopes of spurring a dialogue and ultimately the construction of a memorial.

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Now is the time to think big.  The Japanese dock has captured Oregon's imagination. As an object, it has transcended its original purpose, and now embodies Oregon's relationship, both culturally and seismically with our Japanese neighbors.  I suggest that we rally our fellow Oregonians to build a memorial worthy of Japan's resilience and grace in the face of disaster, a disaster that could have just as easily befallen our shores.

No memorial of a significant size or distinction has been created in the United States to commemorate the Japanese Tsunami. By providence, the dock made landfall in Newport. Therefore, it seems practically pre-destined that Newport be home to this memorial. 

Click here to view the design concept in its entirety

If you’re interested in becoming part of the dialogue contact The City of Newport. 

Postcard: Jardin Majorelle

By Jenny Guggenheim


Fall is looking suspiciously like summer here in Portland, so I decided I'd stick to that theme and take you on a pictorial tour from my recent visit to Yves Saint Laurent's private paradise, Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech.  The lush and fragrant flora are in stark contrast to the parched and dusty landscape found just outside the garden wall. 

Hunt and Gather: Seaworthy Jewelry

By Amanda Rickenbach

Seaworthy is a local Portland jewelry line created by Marisa Howard. Her line began with all vintage parts and pieces and evolved to include a variety of handmade mixed metal pieces. All are hand shaped and hammered with 12k gold fill wire, perfect for sensitive ears. Seaworthy's jewelry is so in tune with the Americana trends we have happening right now, while somehow managing to remain soft and timeless.

"I am inspired by simple, geometric shapes and textile patterns from the 1930's. A customer told me that my jewelry has it's own language. I like that idea." -Marisa

Hella Jongerius

By Amanda Rickenbach

Holland would be nearly completely under water if it weren't for the ingenious invention of polders and dikes in the 12th century. Is 65% nearly completely? Maybe not, but it's a pretty high percentage. This incredible engineering feat reflects the adage "God created the world, the Dutch created Holland." To this day the Dutch continue to reclaim land from the rivers and the sea using a complex system of dykes and drainage canals. 

"Hella Jongerius's 2005 Polder Sofa for Vitra references the geographic makeup of her homeland in both name and design. Its elongated horizontal lines, low-lying form, and asymmetry echo the patchwork of the Dutch landscape and create visual interest from every viewable angle."  Each section of the sofa is defined by it's own unique fabric, color, and proportion. Decorative buttons made of natural materials like bone and mother-of-pearl create another level of dimension and character. 

The Polder Sofa is available in a variety of sizes and several colors of either leather or fabric. The pictured sofa by Jongerius was created with Maharam Polder for Vitra. The textiles include mohair velvet and two scales of checked wool. This sofa is a fun mixture of geometry, texture, and comfort. I personally love the checked wool cushion and think that the inspiration behind the design is unique and fabulous. 

Photos: Maharam 

Dutchtubs

By Amanda Rickenbach

How do you feel about bathing outdoors? The Dutchtub is an award-winning hot tub that’s inner workings are incredibly simple: wood fired and with natural circulation. Simple luxury.

With this smart fiber glass polyester construction and the sturdy, long-lasting materials you can use the Dutchtub where ever you want, any time you want. Choose from a variety of colors: Dutchtub Orange, Ocean Green, Light Blue, Pigeon Blue, Reed Green, and Dark Grey.  I'd put my tub on a bluff in the Columbia Gorge or in a secret wooded area on the Oregon coast.  Our long winters would feel extra warm with one of these cozy accessories hanging around.

View their inspiring video above - now you can't say no. 


photos: Weltevree

Corner of the World

By Jenny Guggenheim

So it turns out we like Instagram.  We really like Instagram.  It's an excellent tool to chronicle our day-to-day and now acts as a visual catalogue of progress here at Fig.  As you may have noticed, we've made some changes to our website, added a new partner (did we tell you that?) and have expanded to offer architectural services.  Ok, so we're officially and architecture and interiors firm.  Consider yourself in the know.  Follow our camera roll as we document our evolution and project progress- we promise to give you a little visual treat each day...and we promise to make a more formal announcement and throw a party for our new name, Fig. Studio Architecture + Interiors.

Cheers for now,
Jenny and Jeff

Living Roofs

By Amanda Rickenbach

Chances are that you have either seen a green roof or have been inside a building that has one. They are growing in popularity both in residential and commercial design for a number of reasons, but I thought I would list just a few of the best ones.

-Living roofs help to lower urban air temperatures and combat the heat island effect.

-Living roofs help keep the interior of your home at a stable temperature. Plants and soil are really great insulators, which means you’ll save money on your heating and cooling costs.

-Living roofs filter rainwater. When the water falls on a typical roof, it’s often funneled off into storm water drains, collecting pollution along the way. When rain falls on a living roof, however, it’s filtered naturally just as it is in the wild. This means you can reuse this clean water in your home or garden.

-Living roofs attract native wildlife to your yard. And depending on what you plant, it can also be a food source for you, or your furry friends.

-Living roofs filter noise, keeping your home quiet.

Besides all the great stuff they do for the planet - they look fantastic.


photos: first - feldman architecture, second-fourth - ecoroofs everywhere