PRESS: About Face Magazine

The print edition of About Face mag's Winter '13 edition hit the newsstands yesterday.  Find Fig. on pages 42 & 43 as part of their interior design feature!

ON THE BOARDS: Goldendale Residence

Fig. Studio is excited to share a rendering and plans for a project slated to start construction this spring.  Located in rural Goldendale Washington, the project takes its cues from the dry high desert landscape and beautiful vistas of the surrounding property and Mt. Hood.

 The owners, a Portland couple with a love for fishing and the outdoors, called on us to transform their existing vacation home into a full time residence.  The design was to be creative, functional and responsive to its unique site.  The Fig. designed addition consists of two bedrooms, one bath and a new living room.  The new layout provides privacy from the main house, while creating a large protected courtyard that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

The courtyard location was a key element to this design as the owners wanted to enjoy the outdoor landscape while remaining sheltered from the strong winds the site experiences throughout the year.  The courtyard features both a corten steel fireplace and and an open fire pit perfect for roasting marshmallows and grilling pizza.  Glass wind screens shelter seating areas and allow for multiple layers of protection on particularly gusty days.  

Slated for completion in the fall of 2013, our clients are looking forward to sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the sunset over the Columbia River Gorge from the comfort of their new outdoor living space.

Portland Bazaar 2012

Don't miss the 2012 Portland Bazaar!  Locally crafted goods always fit perfectly under the tree.

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