The Portland Society of Architects (PSA) said that Patrick Costin, AIA, LEED AP, founding principal of Canal 5 Studio (C5S), an architecture planning and interior design practice, was elected president of the PSA at the annual business meeting at the newly renovated Portland Public Library.
In addition to PSA business, the evening featured a keynote talk with newly elected mayor Michael Brennan. He is the first directly elected mayor of Portland in nearly nine decades. Throughout the election process, PSA actively engaged the mayoral candidates on a number of issues affecting the built environment. Candidates were invited to respond to PSA's detailed survey on major subjects impacting the city of Portland. Questions included ways of encouraging development of underutilized properties, reinvigorating traditional neighborhood centers and defining a sustainable vision for Portland.
"We are delighted to welcome mayor Brennan to our annual business meeting," Costin said. "It is a tangible symbol of the importance of linking economic development with Portland's vibrant creative community and extraordinary quality of place."
"This is one of the most important junctures in the history of our city," said Brennan. "Like so many small cities in America, Portland is challenged to find new ways to do more to engage our citizens, leverage our resources and facilitate change. The leadership in this room has a vital role to play in helping to build a better city."
Echoing mayor Brennan's remarks, Costin also spoke of the challenges facing the building industry and the need for building bridges among allied creative professions. The PSA has taken a leadership role in planning for and discussing responses to rising sea levels based on changing climate patterns. A two-day symposium in May 2011 brought together design professionals and business leaders to address ways of mitigating the effects of higher tides and storm surges. It was also a forum for discussion of the interrelated economic, infrastructure and policy issues the city could eventually face. A follow-up event called Sea Level Rise Planning for Bayside in Portland: A Community Discussion was held in February 24.
Costin's goals for PSA in the coming year include encouraging collaboration among allied arts, crafts and cultural organizations to amplify the voice of the creative community in shaping Portland's future by advocating for excellence in the built environment.