​Bob Hastings, FAIA

Oregon, By Design Director

I've been working with communities for years.to achieve their goals, needs, desires, and aspirations. Now, through Oregon/ By Design, I'm implementing my research into a state-wide network of design support. To me, design thinking is not about objects or structures, it's about outcomes. Positive Oregon outcomes are well within sight.

"Livability is the sum of the factors that add up to a community’s quality of life — including the built and natural environments, economic prosperity, social stability and equity, educational opportunity, and cultural, entertainment and recreation possibilities."

                                            - Partners for livable communities

The Oregon, By Design initiative is guided by the principle that together Oregon citizens can create livable communities inspired by, and responsive to, Oregon’s natural beauty.  Architect Bob Hastings is exploring how design and design-thinking can promote economic prosperity, environmental health and social cohesion throughout the state.

OREGON, By DesignTM

In collaboration with The Architecture Foundation of Oregon

I began by identifying statewide values, needs and goals. Then, with this background, I researched and evaluated a wide variety of international design policies, including their support and promotion programs. After two years of this research - and validation by a panel of Oregon stakeholders -          Oregon, By Design is now focused on:

• Sharing winning built environment solutions with others across the state
  
• Bringing people together to learn about how design thinking can solve specific problems based on a community's unique needs
• Creating an expert network of architects, planners and consultants available to communities
• Forging public-private partnerships and collaborating to realize opportunities
• Teaching design skills to local leaders and creating peer support networks