MAYER/REED by Carol Mayer/Reed, FASLA A belief in the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest is what convinced Carol Mayer-Reed, FASLA, and Michael Reed to establish their design practice in Portland, Oregon. Twenty years later, it's still this openness to new ideas and forward thinking of the people and politics that keeps them here, and drives the firm's philosophy forward. The company's continued success is founded on a commitment to innovation and creativity that ultimately expresses the client's vision for the project. Formed in 1977, Mayer/Reed is unique in the Northwest as the only firm combining the design disciplines of Landscape Architecture and environmental graphics. Landscape Architecture services provided by the firm include site-specific design services such as master planning, site planning, urban design, site reclamation, wetlands restoration, water features, earthworks, and hardscape design. On the other hand, the environmental graphics group provides diverse services such as industrial design, visual communications, print graphics, signage, and interpretive design. Indeed, the two disciplines often converge on one project to realize clients' expectations, such as the Washington State University campus. The current office staff of nineteen is comprised of individuals educated in the fields of Landscape Architecture, urban planning, architecture, environmental graphics, graphic arts, and industrial design. Partners and staff work together in an open studio environment, often working interdependently, drawing upon one another's education and expertise to forge solutions to complicated or unique design challenges. For instance, the Oregon Zoo (formerly called the Metro Washington Park Zoo) is undergoing a major transformation unequaled in its 40-year history. As the 21st century approaches, this ambitious multi-phase project will dramatically affect our expectations of what a zoo can be. Unlike customary entry facilities at other zoos across the nation, the new Oregon Zoo entrance is an exhibit itself. Upon arrival at the zoo entry, visitors are greeted by stunning basalt rock outcroppings populated with Northwest mountain goats, pika and marmots. From the entrance exhibit, the visitor is led on a thematic adventure starting from the top of the Cascade Mountains, continuing through the Willamette Valley, and westward to the Oregon coast. Mayer/Reed is collaborating with Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects, the team architect; and The Portico Group of Seattle, specialists in the design of replicated zoo habitats. The company's work responsibilities include the design of the plazas, the pedestrian circulation system, elevated walkways, train trestles, and grading. The upper plaza will include water features, performance space, rock outcroppings and view points, interpretive displays, and connections to the new Oregon Exhibit. An intricate system of pedestrian pathways link to the Pacific Shores plaza, Waters exhibit, and the zoo's Main Street. The new Entry Plaza and Mountain Goat exhibit opened in September, while the completion of the Pacific Shores plaza and Waters exhibit is anticipated to be Spring 2001. The firm also developed plans for selected areas of the first phase, including the 5-acre A-mazing Water Garden. The A-Mazing Water Garden will cascade down a series of gravity-fed terraces and interrelated pools. The lowest pool, a water plant display pond with a stone water wall and "maze" of pathways, will explode with sound, fresh scents and colors. Guided by Landscape Architects, the garden will certainly become an educational model for how reclaimed water from Silverton's treatment plant can be used in a number of interesting ways. The intricate water garden will feature diverse native and ornamental aquatic plant displays, education opportunities regarding water systems, and wildlife attracting habitat. Set amidst the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the Oregon Garden is expected to eventually draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Mayer/Reed is noted for its collaborative process and commitment to the client's vision, rather than imposing a particular style onto the project. The physical and social context of the project, including strong environmental ethics and natural resources of the region, are primary influences in the firm's work. A willingness to take on unusual challenges, presented by unique programs, sites and clients, has lead to recognition for this group of Landscape Architects in the Pacific Northwest. lasn The campus center and amphitheater for Washington State University are aligned with views of nearby Mount Hood. The Landscape Architecture group designed the overall master plan campus layout, and the hardscape and landscape design for Phase 1, while the environmental graphics group developed campus signage and integrated wayfinding systems. Stone walls, copper lanterns, and ornamental railings are site enhancements located throughout the Washington State University Campus. The A-Mazing Water Garden at the Oregon Garden is in the midst of site preparation. The lowest pond, the ornamental water garden, is designed to showcase a wide variety of aquatic and marginal plants available in the Northwest. Completion of the first phase of the Garden is expected in early 2000. The water garden will provide a final level of treatment for the water through contact with aquatic plants. After passage through a series of terraces, water will be reclaimed for use in the garden for irrigation. This fall Oregon Zoo visitors will be offered an unprecedented opportunity to view Pacific Northwest native wildlife in habitats so real it's difficult to tell the difference. The entry plaza and alpine meadow are the first of a series of themed environments that lead visitors on an adventure from the Cascade Mountains to the Oregon Coast