Our introduction to the new terminal began with a presentation regarding funding, and the revenue-building aspects of PWM. The presentation furthered my understanding of how airports remain profitable. I learned that automobile rentals bring over $20 million to Portland each year. Auto rentals combined with parking revenue make up 52% of the Portland Jetport’s annual revenue. Kind of like a $5.00 fountain soda at the movie theater!

The architecture tour began at the street entrance to the jetport. As you enter the new entrance, one of the ticket counters sits below a large textured wall. This wall is given further accentuation through the use of multicolored LED lighting. Our tour continued, behind the scenes, through the baggage handling area. The equipment filled a large room with different levels of heavy belts, machinery and intricate shipping lanes. I thank PWM for this rare opportunity to see baggage handling equipment.

After going behind the scenes, we headed to the third floor where the new security screening equipment is located. The wooden ceiling enclosing the new terminal has a eye catching visual impact as you enter the space. The geometric angles and natural wood finish provide a memorable space for visitors. I was pleased to see such an attractive use of wood and windows in Maine’s new terminal. Large metal support arms, designed to evoke trees, carry the ceiling with thick steel-tipped fingers.

Ample space is provided for post-screening staging. Passengers will then progress to the second floor to meet their passenger gate. Comfortable seating, concessions, and abundant electrical and USB outlets greet passengers at the gate, and it’s time to relax!

Thanks to PWM and PSA for making this tour happen.

For me however, the highlight of the evening was a talk done by Henry Cobb, the architect of the Portland Museum of Art, about the design of the project.

I have special attachment to this building on account of my two summers working in the PMA maintenance department. In my opinion, the PMA building is the most beautiful contemporary building in town. It was designed with both rigor and sensitivity. It is durable, but not utilitarian, simply organized but meandering in experience, and wildly different from historic buildings but successful in being part of Portland’s urban environment. My experience working at the PMA pushing brooms showed that the building is not just satisfying to experience as a patron, but also as an employee.

Hearing Mr. Cobb speak about the PMA design was further affirmation for me that I love the PMA building. He opened his talk with discussion of the greater context of Portland and how he knew our city before he ever came to design the PMA: His view of Portland is loving and respectful. Cobb talked about his responses to the Portland site: creating a facade for Congress Square, respecting the existing historic buildings owned by the PMA, and creating multiple courtyards in the PMA campus.

One forgets, or may not even notice when wandering through the museum, that the museum is organized in a simple grid that is based on optimal gallery dimensions. This simple grid creates a wonderful variety of spaces each with their own character and interest. Cobb explained the simplicity of the grid and then turned his attention to the “domes.”

Topping each cell of the grid in the museum is an octagonal dome with a sort of cupola at the top for letting in indirect light. The solution, though simple in concept, must have been difficult to execute. The result is a beautiful wash of natural light in many of the galleries.

Cobb’s words were eloquent and modest, and his slides were simple and illustrative. It was a true pleasure to hear Mr. Cobb speak about one of my favorite Portland Buildings, and so I say “Thank you!” to Mr. Henry Cobb, the Portland Museum of Art, and the Portland Society of Architects. Great event!

Some Drawings of the PMA

Last Friday, Bild Architecture, along with many friends and colleagues, travelled by bus to the Boston area for a tour of noteworthy architecture. Our adventure began at Philips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. We were met by the original project manager, Winton Scott, who gave us a spectacular tour and some valuable insight into the professional life and creative process of Louis Kahn. The Philips Exeter library is one of Louis Kahn’s most well-known works of art/architecture.

The Harry Parker Boathouse in Brighton, Massachusetts was our next stop on the tour. The Boathouse, a community rowing center, has easy-to-operate doors and windows that allow plenty of air circulation throughout the building and around the sculls. My favorite feature of the building is the wall panel that opens by mechanical means. Four chain operated pulleys open the entire wall section to airflow.

The Atrium school, in Watertown, Massachusetts, provided a fun third stop on our tour. This re-purposed warehouse building boasts plenty of daylight and a fabulous children’s library. Creative solutions to this adaptive reuse kept the cost of renovation down, while providing a wonderfully cheery space for the pre-K through 6^th grade Atrium school community.

Next, we went back to college for a tour of a Harvard dormitory. Beautiful landscape architecture, brightly colored hallways, and a light filled event space form a building worthy of the Harvard campus. My favorite space in this building was the semi-private 7^th floor student lounge equipped with comfortable furniture, a double height space, full glazing wall, and an outdoor patio with views of the Charles River.

By late afternoon we arrived at the Cambridge Public Library’s main branch. We found the library filled with people enjoying the Friday afternoon June sunshine that poured in through a double envelope window facade. The historic portion of the building has been carefully restored to original colors, period furniture and fixtures. The 3^rd floor children’s section offers comfy seating, scaled down desks and chairs, and a wonderful custom carpet designed to resemble stepping stones.

Thank you Portland Society of Architects for another fantastic architecture tour! For more information on events and membership with the Portland Society of Architects, please visit their website portlandarchitects.org.