Nestled in the urban hustle and bustle of Portland, Oregon, there sits an unexpected oasis: a Japanese garden, described by His Excellency Nubuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” While the garden has been open since 1967, it wasn’t until recently that it underwent a huge expansion, adding a Village House, Garden House, and Tea House that all contain galleries, a library, a gift store, and a multipurpose room. Clad in RPG Perfecto Micro acoustical ceilings in horizontal sliced bamboo veneer, the Portland Japanese Garden has become an escape for residents and travelers alike to enjoy art, music and learning opportunities.
An Emphasis on Design
The design of the Portland Japanese Garden strikes a chord that balances authenticity and utility. Take the tiered roofs that look akin to pagodas—these are covered in greenery which not only makes for an appealing aesthetic design decision, but also absorbs rainwater and prevents runoff, making for a much more functional space. The interior design sought to employ a similar approach with ample use of wood in the ceilings, walls, and furnishings. As a result, RPG Acoustical’s Perfecto Micro natural wood products were chosen to keep in line with the traditional aesthetic of the building while also improving the acoustics according to the various program formats that the Garden wishes to support. Adding these acoustically absorptive elements ensures that the space is as aurally serene as it is visually.
The Complete Experience
The garden has been designed with every desire in mind by the Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, and with expert acoustical consulting from Tobin Cooley of Listen Acoustics. The space offers a total of eight separate garden styles as well as an authentic Japanese Tea House to provide the complete experience to visitors. It’s no wonder that the park draws over 350,000 annual visitors, as the area offers a completely unique experience for the people of Portland and a sense of tranquility that can’t be beat.
Sounding Great With RPG Acoustical Systems, LLC.
For whatever your acoustical design needs, RPG Acoustical Systems, LLC. is here to provide you with products that are customized to your needs, high-quality designs that are backed by science and extensive research, and excellent customer service to help ensure you get what you need. If you have questions, take a moment to check out our contact page or reach out to us via phone at (973) 916-1166.
For more updates and helpful information about our industry, check our blog regularly and consider following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
