Hyas tyee tumwater
An Inter-Tribal Eco-Cultural Center at the Willamette Falls
M.Arch Thesis, 2015
The Willamette Falls Legacy Project, Oregon City and more generally, the state of Oregon, have the opportunity to be a leader in the reconciliation with indigenous peoples through meaningful engagement of the native community in the design and execution of new development on one of the region’s most important historic sites. Hyas Tyee Tumwater aims to actualize this vision with an Inter-Tribal Eco-Cultural Center at the Willamette Falls.
Before contact with Europeans and Americans, the people of the Pacific Northwest numbered near 1 million. These descendants of the very first people to reach the Western Hemisphere developed a variety of complex cultures, each with its own intricate history and unique way of life.
Despite their differences, these many diverse tribes from across Oregon and Washington all gathered at Willamette Falls. The site has had a strong spiritual and practical significance, supplying communities with salmon, lamprey, and other fish. The Willamette falls have been home to trade, exchange, and social gatherings for over 15,000 of years.
When the western settlers arrived, the native culture around the falls changed dramatically within just a few generations. European and American explorers and traders brought plagues. They clashed with native peoples over territory and resources. And, ultimately, the newcomers disbursed the tribes onto reservations. Today, however, the heritage of bloodlines and culture survives. Reservations preserve values and cultural heritage while providing a focus for Native American identity.
A number of Native American organizations have gained strength and influence through their work providing support for tribal members to heal from this history of bloodshed, disease, and displacement. Among the most important of their tools is reconnecting survivors and their descendants with their natural resources.
Hyas Tyee Tumwater would be operated by Native American community members from the confederated tribes of Grand Ronde, Siletz, Umatilla, Yakama, and Warm Springs. All community members (Oregon City residents
and Native Americans) and any visitors to the site would be welcomed into a lush public garden cradled by the beautiful woolen mills ruins. The garden would lead visitors to a breathtaking gallery of native art and craft, and a library with classrooms, all overlooking the river. Nestled into the natural basalt shore, a gathering space with a smoke house, fire pit, and kitchen provides the fishers a place to bring their catch in off the water to be cooked or smoked, and served to the community. The building would also be able to host canoe journeys- a place for large groups of canoeists to dock and gather in a grand shelter
flexible enough to accommodate a variety of events including dance performances, conference lectures, and large banquet meals.Ultimately, every aspect of the activities and architecture of Hyas Tyee Tumwater aims to provide an inclusive place for healing, learning and celebration of a cultural tradition that fosters an engaging, healthy relationship between people and the river and land.
Site
Transitioning from Urban Grid to Cardinal Direction
Form and Program Responding to the Site
Plan
Sections
Gathering Space nestled into the natural basalt shore.
Entering from Main St, visitors walk through a public terraced garden toward breathtaking views of the restored landscape and the iconic Hawley Paper Mill
View from the upper level library balcony. Overlooks the green roof of the gathering space. Hawley and waterfall in the distance.
Site Model
Site Model
Gathering space Structural/Conceptual Model
Concept Model
Concept Model
Concept Model