University administrators and members of the Native American community will meet today with prominent architect Johnpaul Jones to try to resolve a dispute over the proposed design of the East Campus Residence Hall project.
Jones, who is also a University alumnus, is an architect well known for his work across the country on Native American museums and cultural centers, including his work as lead design consultant for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
The design of the $75-million East Campus Residence Hall and amendments to the East Campus Open Space Framework surrounding the project site were set to be reviewed at a Nov. 10 meeting of the Campus Planning Committee, but both were tabled after Native American community members complained that the hall would impede some of their traditional ceremonies.
Specifically, they said the building would block the morning sunlight, which they said is an integral element in their culture and traditions.
Dave Hubin, the senior assistant to the president of the University, said Jones would be on hand to “move the discussion along and talk about the ways he’s addressed this in other settings.”
“Johnpaul, a native person himself, has in many settings been able to place sacred or blessed buildings in the urban setting,” Hubin said. “He has dealt with this situation before.”
Hubin said the group will be “looking for solutions that allow development in the east campus area but respect and learn from the traditions of Oregon’s first peoples.”
The Campus Planning Committee has tentatively scheduled a meeting on Dec. 7 to once again review the open space amendments and design of the hall.
“We’re hopeful there will be some mutually agreeable resolution so the committee can proceed with the schematic design review,” said Campus Planning Committee Chair Gregg Lobisser.
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