The original scope of this project entailed a rehabilitation and widening of the inbound and outbound lanes of NE Airport Way, and also included the redesigning of the existing planting scheme, as well as the redesigning of the current irrigation system so that it routed water to the medians for the new planting design, the fountains being added there, and to the new plantings surrounding the entrance and exit signs, where in all three locations no plantings or material features had existed previously.

 

Initially PDX had only planned to have the existing planting beds redesigned and updated to emphasize the widening of the road.  As that project neared completion, it was clear that the project had not cost as much as PDX had expected, leaving a doorway of opportunity for Walker.Macy to make a proposal for an entry feature. 

 

The proposal for the entry feature included six slate walls varying in size from nine feet to four feet, giving the illusion as one entered, of taking off (in an airplane), and as one left, of landing.  The fragmented slate creating small shelves, mosses would grow through the thin sheets of water trickling down from the top of every other wall.  There was also to be a tall slate wall on either side of the road, opposite the median, that was to be positioned and built in such a way that each enhanced the feeling of ascending and descending created by the center walls.  These exterior walls would also double as the entry and exit signs, and would include new planting schemes as well.  

 

Also proposed was the repositioning of the three bronze horse sculptures by Deborah Butterfield (the sculptures are sized true to life and are made from discarded industrial materials, mud, sticks, and bronze) already owned and displayed by the Airport (PDX).