Architecture Studio Partners with the City of Oakridge to Help Develop Innovative Middle Housing Ideas

Group of students stand in field and listen to instructor
Professor Christina Bollo walks students through the site of their architecture designs during their visit to Oakridge

During the 2024 fall term, University of Oregon students in Architecture Design Studio (ARCH 484/584) explored innovative solutions to sustainability through housing design projects for the City of Oakridge in partnership with the Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP).

The City of Oakridge recently completed a Housing Needs Analysis (HNA), which identified the need for higher density zoning and middle housing to meet workforce and affordability housing needs. To help support these needs, the students designed and proposed higher-density housing arrangements. At the end of the term, they presented these designs during architectural reviews at the University of Oregon and a community session in Oakridge.

Christina Bollo, Assistant Professor in the College of Architecture and Environment, said that students generally don’t get to collaborate with real sites for their architecture projects. By partnering with SCYP, this class was able to engage authentically with the community and gain support for the projects.

“As an instructor, I enjoy learning alongside the students, rather than trying to be an expert about a place I haven't lived. Knowing that the government of Oakridge is on board with this project has given the students a sense of purpose and meaning,” said Bollo.

Two students smile next to large posters of their architecture project
Students Georgia Manning (left) and Maryclaire Lane (right) present their housing arrangement designs to reviewers at the University of Oregon

The students visited the city multiple times during the term to explore and gain inspiration in help inform housing designs.

“We have been so happy to spend time in the natural beauty of the area and visit the museum, city hall and other Uptown attractions. The students have especially enjoyed getting to know the people who call Oakridge home,” said Bollo.

Architecture student, Georgia Manning ‘27 said she found value in working on a project that had a direct impact on a community. “Working for the first time on a project where I felt like our work and our ideas could have an active impact on the future of housing in Oakridge was very motivating and kept me inspired to push myself this term. It was fun as well as valuable to get the opportunity to meet current Oakridge residents and experience the city too on multiple occasions,” said Manning.

Students and community members gather in room to look at posters of student work
Architecture students showcase their designs at a community session in Oakridge, Oregon

Through this project and 12 others that occurred during fall term, SCYP connects student learning with Oregon communities. By addressing real housing needs in Oakridge and collaborating with the community, students learn important skills needed to be successful in their future careers and the city gains unique insights and powerful solutions from rising architects. 

“This project all around was a great experience and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to participate,” said Manning.

SCYP will continue a partnership with the City of Oakridge over the next two years. The prolonged partnership will allow the program to match resources from existing university courses with priority city projects to create maximum impact for the community. Six unique classes will take place in winter term to include projects in planning, public policy, geographic information systems, marketing, and journalism.

Denali Herrick, SCYP Communication and Visual Media Assistant, Master's in Advertising and Brand Responsibility ‘25