Abstract:
Because my final graduate design project is to design a cooperatively-organized
grass-roots hybrid hostel / International House, geared toward internationally-oriented
people in the city of Portland, I wanted to find out what draws tourists and international
people to Portland, as well as what these people may be missing in their experience here.
I wanted to know this so that my building can emphasize the positives of Portland, while
also filling in gaps. I was also interested in the experience of residents living in a
prototypical successful International House so that I could find out what makes it
successful as well as learning what improvements are possible. I conducted two interviews: one with Jim Kennett, owner of the International Student
House and HI-Portland Hostel Northwest, both buildings located in Portland, Oregon;
and another interview with Suchitra Saxena, former resident of the first International
House, in New York City.