Laurelhurst and Mt. Tabor Parks were both established in 1903, during the period of the Arts and Crafts movement which emphasized harmony with nature, simple forms, and traditional craftsmanship. Both Parks are located in southeast Portland within leafy residential neighborhoods and are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. These parks and their stairways are well used by their surrounding communities, connecting the parks to their surrounding residential streets. In 2017, Portland Parks and Recreation enlisted DAO to design custom railings for the parks’ prominent existing staircases.

The Laurelhurst Park stair is constructed of brick and serves as one of the main park entrances, cascading through the rhododendron dell at the park’s northwestern tip. The stairway comprises 5 flights over 120’ in length, and due to its historic listing required anchoring sensitively within its existing brick treads. The Mt. Tabor staircase is much longer, constructed of concrete, and extends over 800’ in length comprising 19 flights of varying lengths. The stairway is a prominent activity pathway serving both runners and pedestrians within its woodland setting, as it meanders upwards toward the summit.

The design concept of the railings was based on a historic vernacular and contextual fit to the unique character of both parks, while addressing accessibility compliance, durability, maintenance, and budget considerations. Recalling a tree form in nature, the primary railing members are a dual stanchion configuration with curved ends providing both functional strength and understated ornamentation. The bar stock members of the stanchions and handrail provide an architectural and handcrafted feel that recalls Arts and Crafts elements such as the existing parks’ lamp posts and other steel elements. At the top and base of each flight of railings, a pair of feature stanchions are located to anchor the landings and provide a modicum of ornament. The feature stanchion is a lasercut 1” thick steel plate with a pattern of blended pinecone, flower, and bird motifs, recalling the nearby flora and wildlife throughout the parks. The design incorporates both foliage and a machine aesthetic, utilizing today’s technology and craft to produce an elegant, appropriate, and timeless solution.