The annual Festival of Flowers at Pioneer Courthouse Square celebrates two weeks of floral installations by local artists and designers to transform Portland’s living room into an interactive garden of flowers. It is one of the signature events which continue to make the Square a remarkably vibrant public space since its inception in 1984.

DAO was enlisted by the Square’s programming team to create a design commemorating the Square’s 30th birthday. Inspired by the kinetic nature of the existing amphitheatre seating, an 80’ diameter maze was generated to transform the plaza into an amalgamation of colors. Over 18,000 plants were arranged in a series of circular forms, with interwoven pathways, seating pockets, and wheelchair turnarounds providing a myriad of ways to experience the variety of flowers and views within the maze. The rainbow of colors and vortex of pathways create an engaging and compelling spatial experience to discern, discover, and enjoy amongst the zinnias, lobelias, and begonias.