Robert Harvey Oshatz (born October 3, 1945) is an American architect based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Friends of Kebyar Journal includes his work in multiple publications "focused on notable organic architects".[citation needed] He is known for architecture "incorporated into the surrounding land",[1] "intricately woven though its site"[2] and more than once likened to spaceships.[3][4] The work has gained international recognition for his approach to architecture.[5][better source needed][2][6][7]

Early life and education

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Oshatz was born in Los Angeles, California, and completed undergraduate studies in architecture at Arizona State University.[8]

Career

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He apprenticed at the Los Angeles Studio of Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr. and established his own architectural practice, Robert Harvey Oshatz Architect, in Portland, Oregon in 1971.[8]

His work is characterized by the integration of organic forms, extensive use of wood and other natural materials,[5][better source needed] and an emphasis on sustainable design principles.[2] Yaacov Bergman, past music director and conductor of the Portland Chamber Orchestra has described Oshatz-designed homes, "as though I’m watching the visualization of a musical composition”.[9]

The Wilkinson Residence in Portland (completed in 2007) has sweeping curves, extensive use of wood, and large expanses of glass that provide panoramic views of the surrounding forest.[9][7]

Design philosophy

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Oshatz believes that architecture should be a continuation of nature, rather than a separation from it.[1] He often draws inspiration from the organic forms and patterns found in the natural world,[10] incorporating them into his designs to create a sense of harmony and tranquility.[8] The buildings are designed "from the inside out"[11] and the interior spaces are often composed with non-parallel surfaces to enhance room acoustics[12] depending on the intended use of the space.[9]

Oshatz is also a proponent of sustainable architecture, advocating eco-friendly materials and technologies such as ground source heat pumps that minimize the environmental impact of his projects.[13][2]

Notable works

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  • Windship (2019) - Olympic Peninsula, Washington[4]
  • Chenequa residence (2012) - Milwaukee, Wisconsin[14][15][16][17][18]
  • Wilkinson Residence (2007) - Portland, Oregon[9][7]
  • Miyasaka Residence (1998) - Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan[19]
  • Fennell Residence (1990) - Portland, Oregon[20][21][22]
  • Elk Rock Residence and Studio (1989) - Lake Oswego, Oregon[1]
  • Studio City Residence (1985) - Studio City, California[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c McLaughlin, Katherine (2022-08-11). "Step Inside a Funnel-Shaped Home Built Into the Oregon Hillside". Architectural Digest. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  2. ^ a b c d Asensio, Oscar (2019). 30 of the Worlds Most Relevant Architects. Lexus Editores. pp. 226–239. ISBN 978-9962-04-647-9.
  3. ^ a b "Berry, Berry Strange". Los Angeles Magazine. May 1998. p. 35. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
  4. ^ a b "'Spaceship' home lands on PT ledge". Port Townsend Leader. 2017-04-11. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  5. ^ a b Foster, R. Daniel. "Organic Architect Robert Oshatz Delivers 'Surprise, Beauty And Delight' In The Pacific Northwest". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  6. ^ Broto, Carles (2009). New Concepts in Housing. Links International (Leading International Key Services Barcelona, S.A.). p. 126. ISBN 9788496969988.
  7. ^ a b c Oregonian/OregonLive, Janet Eastman | The (2015-06-03). "Architect Robert Oshatz houses on tour June 20". oregonlive. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
  8. ^ a b c Henning, Randolph (2020). "Robert Oshatz". Friends of Kebyar Journal. 35 (89): 63–67.
  9. ^ a b c d EASTMAN, JANET (7 June 2015). "Portland residence harmonizes music and architecture". The Washington Times. Associated Press. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  10. ^ Aboulnaga, Mohsen; Helmy, Samaa E. (2022-09-01). Biomimetic Architecture and Its Role in Developing Sustainable, Regenerative, and Livable Cities: Global Perspectives and Approaches in the Age of COVID-19. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-031-08292-4.
  11. ^ DONNELLY, JOE (5 December 2023). "Robert Oshatz". Joe Donnelly Writes. Retrieved 5 December 2023 – via Treats! magazine.
  12. ^ Kuttruff, Heinrich (2016). Room acoustics (6th ed.). Boca Raton London New York: CRC Press. pp. 89–114. ISBN 9780367870997.
  13. ^ Mostaedi, Arian (2002). Sustainable Architecture Lowtech Houses. Gingko Press. p. 148. ASIN B01N7M58BT.
  14. ^ Fatih, Driss (2012). Pure Luxury: 100 Great Houses. Images Publishing. ISBN 978-1-86470-496-9.
  15. ^ Harris, Becky (2017-02-28). "This Lakeside Tree House Near Milwaukee is the Stuff of Dreams". Milwaukee Magazine. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  16. ^ "Houzz Tour: Stunning Curved Architecture Rises Among the Trees". Houzz. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  17. ^ "The Chenequa Residence - International Wood Products Association". www.iwpawood.org. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  18. ^ "Chenequa Residence / Robert Harvey Oshatz Architect". ArchDaily. 2012-08-09. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  19. ^ "Miyasaka Family Residence | Robert Harvey Oshatz". Archello. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
  20. ^ Mabry, Jennifer (2013-04-06). "Visit 3 homes that are works of art". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  21. ^ "8 of the world's most luxurious houseboats". www.cbsnews.com. 2016-03-01. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  22. ^ Oregonian/OregonLive, Janet Eastman | The (2015-06-12). "Fennell floating house by Robert Oshatz". oregonlive. Retrieved 2023-09-08.