1. Intent:
Develop the Max platform located at Civic Drive into a space for the
residents of Gresham by creating a community run chestnut orchard.
Embrace the aesthetic of the orchard grid to formulate new
distinct urban/rural spaces along the infrastructure of the max.
Then, formalize these spaces for the community by incorporating
uses such as seasonal markets, public spaces, max platforms, and
trails.

2. The population of American chestnut trees was virtually wiped out in
the early 1900‘s. The “Great Chestnut Blight,” commonly called
Cryphonectria Parasitica, had consumed nearly all of the population by
1950.
The American species C. dentata, The American chestnut, offers very
little resistance to parasitic bark fungus. Its Chinese relative, C.
Japanese Chestnut tree Chestnuts in their seed pods
Mollissima, is thought to have brought the parasite to the mainland US
in the early 1900’s.
Despite its apparent weakness as a species this tree offers the
following tangible benefits:
1. When quarter sawn it will contain no radial grain, its all vertical
grain.
2. Its easy to saw and split.
example of a crossbreed tree painting by Renoir
3. It grows much faster than Oak.
4. It contains no pollen, its pollinated by the wind.
5. The lumber from this tree contains Tannins, a natural product in
some species of wood thats resistant to decay when you harvest it.
colossal chestnuts Silverleaf chestnuts

3. Our site contains roughly 6.5 acres on the north side
of the max rail lines. Currently Oregon and
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Washington have about 300 acres planted. These
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farms are all under 10 years old and mostly of the
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“Colossal” variety.
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This amount of land could be considered a typical
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“medium” stand of trees. Farms in this category
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typically range from 5-8 acres.
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Consumption of chestnuts per capita:
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EXISTING
PARKING
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The domestic consumption of chestnuts suffered
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dramatically after the loss of the trees throughout the early
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1900’s. Worldwide demand for chestnuts exceeds that of
almonds and walnuts combined.
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80% of Americans have never eaten a chestnut.
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Some consumer tests are indicating new enthusiastic
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acceptance of chestnuts by the american consumer. The
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United States has the greatest capacity to develop new
plantings of any country in the world.

4. Pro Forma:
We currently import 10 to 20 million pounds of European
Chestnuts, at a retail cost of $30-$40 million. The annual
value of imported and processed chestnuts is estimated at
$500,000, with prices ranging from $1.50-$3.00. If domestic
consumption levels rise by one pound per capita the US
would require 100,000 acres of mature trees to meet that
demand. This industry would then be worth $600-$800
detail of colossal nuts ready for
million annually. harvest
cluster of Colossal Chestnuts
On a good site, a mature orchard can produce
3,000 lbs per acre. A retail price of $7.50 a lb
for chestnuts yields $22,500 per acre, or
$146,250 for the 6.5 acre development.
harvest equipment harvest equipment
detail of Chestnut lumber detail of Chestnut lumber
machine made for removing processed nuts ready for
nuts from shell pods sale

5. Trees can be placed at 14-40 feet apart depending on the
growers willingness to remove every other tree when
crowding occurs. Thinning and/or removing every other is
required to maintain high yield. Severely shaded branches
will also die out over time.
Without topping or shaping some trees can reach 35-40’.
Denser plantings have been popular in recent years, 14’ -25’ 12 year old chestnut farm with excess 15 year old chestnut farm with every
can be considered a modern standard. A tighter layout is shade on the lower canopy other row removed to allow sunlight
in
also more efficient for maintaining irrigation lines.
The trees are remarkably drought resistant but will produce
smaller yields and/or nuts in dry soil.
new orchard (closely spaced) 8 year old chestnut farm (getting tight)
chestnut tree after it’s first
season

6. harvesting the chestnut
The use of mechanized equipment is a must. The harvesting of chestnuts can be a
This site at peak capacity will yield 9 tons of community activity. Mechanized equipment is
chestnuts. Pick up chestnuts. also feasible.
As chestnuts are susceptible to mold, they
Collect husked chestnuts. Shuck using heavy gloves.
must be dried on racks before transportation.

7. community involvement
There are many precedents for community gardens in the
pacific northwest:
Since 1975, Portland Parks and Recreation has allocated
land for the use of community gardening. Currently there
are 32 gardens across portland.
The Community Harvest SW Seattle is a group that
organizes a massive harvest of extra fruit that would
otherwise gather and rot on sidewalks. This year, they
gathered over 3 tons of pears, plums, apples and figs for
donation to local food shelves. Seattle “Community Harvest” in action
Portland community garden Youth group involvement

8. Christo and Jeanne-Claude
Running Fence Walter de Maria
1973 The Lightning Field
1977
In 1973, after 17 stateless years, Christo became a United States citizen. In 1972, Christo and
Jeanne-Claude began preparations for Running Fence: a fabric fence, made from steel posts and The Lightning Field is a work of Land Art situated in a remote area of the high desert of western
steel cables, running through the landscape and leading into the sea. The fence was to be 5.5 New Mexico. It is comprised of 400 polished stainless steel poles installed in a grid array
meters high and 40 kilometers long. For the project, 59 families of ranchers needed to be measuring one mile by one kilometer. The poles -- two inches in diameter and averaging 20 feet
convinced and the permission of the authorities had to be obtained, so Christo and Jeanne- and 7½ inches in height -- are spaced 220 feet apart and have solid pointed tips that define a
Claude hired nine lawyers. At the end of 1973 Christo and Jeanne-Claude marked the path of the horizontal plane. A sculpture to be walked in as well as viewed, The Lightning Field is intended to
fence with wooden stakes. On 29 April 1976 the work finally began after a long struggle against be experienced over an extended period of time. A full experience of The Lightning Field does not
bureaucracy. Approximately 200,000 m2 of nylon fabric, 2050 steel posts and 145 km of steel cable depend upon the occurrence of lightning, and visitors are encouraged to spend as much time as
were needed. On 10 September 1976 the work was completed. However, Christo and Jeanne- possible in the field, especially during sunset and sunrise. In order to provide this opportunity, Dia
Claude had to pay a $60,000 fine, because they lacked permission for the coastal region. offers overnight visits during the months of May through October.
©1995-2009 Dia Art Foundation
(wikipedia.org)
http://15.media.tumblr.com/fTLORZVHomisf1h30HiQ6kQIo1_500.jpg
Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Running Fence, Sonoma and Marin Counties, California, 1972-76, photograph 1976, color
photograph by Wolfgang Volz, mounted on aluminum panel, 149.8 x 224.8 (59 x 88 1/2).
© Christo 1976

9. Andy Goldsworthy
Storm King Wall
1998
Created over a two-year period, the 2,278-foot-long site-specific sculpture was made using
stones gathered from the Art Center property. The first part of the wall weaves in and out of trees,
following and extending the path of an old stone wall that had existed previously on the site,
meandering downhill to a nearby pond. The wall's second section emerges out from the other
side of the pond, continuing its westward "walk" uphill. According to historical maps, another wall
originally existed in this vicinity, but its remnants are gone. The wall's full extension physically links
disparate areas of the property, from the trail overlooking Moodna creek to the south fields and
the western border.
The Storm King Art Center, founded in 1960, in Mountainville, New York is an open air museum
which has extended the concept of a "sculpture garden" to become a "sculpture landscape."
(wikipedia.org)
http://www.templemanharrison.com/images/Inspiration_3_pop.jpg

10. site concept sketch

11. site plan/concept

12. platform plan/concept

13. pond concept

18. Q&A:
Q: What are our assumptions about the context? Q: How does the design address time?
A: Our site has a past as rural/agricultural land as seen in numerous plans A: The trees are deciduous so they will show the cycle of the
and photos. This information has informed our scheme which seeks to seasons. A warm palette of wood columns and concrete forms
remediate the development of agricultural lands, provide public space, and frame the shelter locations adjacent to these cycles. The speed of
create a modern “rural identity” for Gresham. transportation and views can be seen in our Sketchup animation.
Q: How do you respond to the unique characteristics of the place? Q: What holds up the canopies? How are they constructed?
A: By bringing back traditional arrangements of agricultural forms and A: The canopies are constructed of cast in-place concrete with 2’
putting a contemporary twist on them. diameter openings that provide light and shadow effects on the
ground and walls. They are held up with steel columns which are
Q: What is your design vision for the near term and 30 years from now? clad in wooden boards.
A: The development of these trees as a resource for the community will Q: What is your strategy for dealing with sun, wind and water?
take some time. Our research indicates about 30-50 years before these
trees can provide optimal harvest. A: The shelter of the canopies which measure roughly 32’ x 32’
provide an ample amount of shelter form the wind, water, and sun.
Q: What emotions do we feel on arrival, waiting, and departure?
A: Rhythm, order, and a sense of belonging.
Q: How are pragmatic needs such as safety and security accommodated?
A: The current shelter design is “open air” and clearly visible from the
road for police officers passing by. Electric lighting and access control will
be implemented at the orchard site.