maine's lighthouses inspire safdie architects with new district for historic portland
Briefly

Safdie Architects has designed a new development in Portland's Old Port district that harmonizes modern architecture with the area's historic context. The centerpiece is a 380-foot tower resembling a lighthouse, crafted with glass and timber to evoke the region's maritime heritage. Encompassing four acres, the project focuses on creating a mixed-use neighborhood that includes residential, hospitality, retail, and cultural spaces. The design aims for permeability and community interaction, with its transparent base and pedestrian-oriented pathways, while enhancing the historic fabric of the city.
The design of Old Port Square embraces Portland's history while establishing a dynamic mixed-use neighborhood, bridging the past with contemporary urban needs.
Safdie Architects achieves a delicate balance between a towering beacon and the historic fabric of Portland, fostering community engagement and urban vitality.
By utilizing transparent materials and creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, the design reflects the character of the Old Port district while enhancing connectivity.
The project symbolizes a contemporary interpretation of the region’s maritime legacy, embodied in a slender tower that serves as a new landmark for Portland.
Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine
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