Columbia Gorge

Rand Pinson Last summer, architect Rand Pinson visited Norway to meet with local architects and learn from their experiences designing rest stops, bridges, parking areas and lookouts for Norway's "Scenic Routes" system of carefully selected roads that prioritize nature, innovative architecture, and art. He sees, " Norway’s scenic route system as a compelling model. It’s a great way to integrate architecture and design into scenic settings." He says, "I’m interested in the idea of storytelling in architecture, and this project presents an opportunity to shape a larger narrative that impacts the area." "One of the key challenges of the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail," he noted, "is its lack of visibility and cohesive infrastructure. The exciting part of this project is finding the interesting ways history, ecology and architecture intersect,” he shared. “How can we take advantage of the site’s natural beauty, promote it and expand its potential? The National Geologic Trail already features remarkable elements, such as Maya Lin’s land art pieces that integrate seamlessly into nature. What it needs is a unifying vision to tie everything together. My goal is to contribute to growing tourism for this interesting and beautiful national park.” He is using his Norway explorations along with travels along the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail and experiences derived from OSU's Gorge Naturalist Program to compile research, develop documentation, drawings and models with the hope of one day bringing those ideas to life for our Trail. Rand will share his experiences and ideas with us in a presentation beginning at 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 30, in the Sprint/Baker Gallery Room of the White Salmon Valley Community Library, 77 NE Wauna Ave, White Salmon, WA 98672. This FREE presentation is sponsored by the Columbia River Gorge Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute. Rand's experience was made possible through a Van Evera Bailey Fellowship awarded to Rand by the Architectural Foundation of Oregon.