Willamette River Institute

The Willamette River Institute is dedicated to gaining understanding about the relationship between man and nature. This relationship is examined especially in the Willamette River Valley, but more generally in the Columbia River Basin and North America. Projects undertaken by the Willamette River Institute are intended to gain knowledge of how the existing natural environmental systems function in our region. It is believed that through knowledge of the natural systems, our human involvement with the land -- whether it be as buildings, landscape development, cities, industry, agriculture, transportation, or recreation -- can be designed to fit more respectfully and carefully with the natural life pre-existing in the region.

Areas of study include: the fractal quality of natural drainage systems; the chaotic nature of flooding, earthquake, and wind events and their relation with man-made landscape and buildings; lessons from first nation inhabitants of the region; how the language used in an environmental analysis affect the outcome and recommendations of an environmental analysis; the influence of Chinook Jargon, Ojibwe, and other First Nation languages on the modern American landscape; the fractal dimension of buildings; a philosophy of "buildings" that is consistent with nature's methods of "building" landscapes; creation of educational materials for the public on these subjects; and bringing forward prior studies of similar subjects that are not well known in the public sector.

Publications

Publications are available only by mail order. Send a check for the desired items and include $5 for postage and packaging. Send to:

1. The Nature of Architecture. An array of essays on the art and science of architecture and building. Sample sections can be viewed by clicking on highlighted titles from the Table of Contents provided below. This is a work in progress. Approximately 45 pages, 8-1/2 x 11, some color Xerox, comb binding. $35.

2. The Architecture of Henry David Thoreau. This essay provides a detailed analysis of Thoreau's house at Walden Pond, along with an exploration of an approach to architecture derivable from Thoreau's writings. 28 pages, 8-1/2 x 11, black and white, comb binding. $5.

3. Fractal Form Drawing for 3rd Graders. A booklet of classroom exercises to teach fractal form drawing to third graders. 13 pages, 8-1/2 x 11, black and white, comb binding. $5.

4. Seaplane Noise. A general discussion of noise impacts from seaplanes, including a discussion of scientific terminology, measurement techniques, noise levels of various aircraft, community impacts based on FAA methodology, and methods to achieve community compatibility. 23 pages, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2, black and white, staple binding. $5.

5. Willamette River Calendars, 1994, 1995, & 1996. Large format, sepia tone calendars with large historic and modern photos of Willamette River landscapes. Images range from a harbor scene with turn-of-the-century schooners, to a view from the Space Shuttle. 13 pages each calendar, 22 x 14, center stapled. Set of 3. $10.