University of Portland - Shiley Marcos Center

Shiley Marcos Center for Design and Innovation is the latest Inter-disciplinary collaboration and innovation spaces for the University’s STEM community. According to Opsis Architects, this project creates a campus-wide resource for hands-on design thinking and making – including spaces for ideation, rapid prototyping, arts, capstone projects, industry partners and shops. Donald P. Shiley was a University of Portland graduate who attributed his success to hands-on experimentation and collaboration, he is known for creating the first artificial tilting disc heart valve. The University of Portland is a place known for it’s focus on student discovery, hands-on curriculum, and using scientific thinking to solve problems so it’s no surprise the school has been an early adopter and pioneer for mass timber and has incorporated Cross-laminated timber (CLT), Glue laminated timber (GLT), and other wood products in recent buildings and structures.

The design of the Type II-B structure was completed by KPFF Engineers and utilizes a steel frame with a mass timber CLT roof, also referred to as a hybrid mass timber structure. Kalesnikoff supplied the mass timber supply and installation by Western Wood Structures in April of 2023.