Pickathon, an annual music festival nestled in the lush woods of Oregon, has long been celebrated not just for its diverse musical lineup but also for its groundbreaking approach to festival design. Unlike many large-scale music events, Pickathon emphasizes sustainability, intimacy, and artistic expression in every aspect of its planning, from the curation of performances to the design of its stages and temporary structures. These ephemeral yet impactful installations transform the festival grounds into a living, breathing canvas where music, nature, and architecture converge. This year, we had the privilege of contributing to this creative tapestry by designing and building a structure that would serve as both a functional space and a work of art, enhancing the festival experience for all who attended.

Our journey to designing a structure for Pickathon began with a shared passion for creating spaces that resonate with both people and the environment. The core team consisted of Justin Tuttle, Chris Cardoza, and Matt Thomas, all alumni of the Portland State University M.Arch program, teamed up with Bri Haber, a University of Oregon graduate and designer for Live Nation, combining their architectural expertise to create a structure that embodies their shared passion for innovative design and love of music.

Inspired by Pickathon’s Galaxy Barn (near by venue) we aimed to create a structure that would evoke wonder and seamlessly integrate with the festival’s natural surroundings. After extensive brainstorming, we developed a concept that balanced organic beauty with practical needs. Together, we tackled both the design and build, bringing our collective vision to life.

Satellite Stables, explores the relationship between passage and pause. Our design intends to interconnect inhabitants inwardly, but also broadly, creating pathways to the rest of the neighborhoods at Pendarvis Farm .The Stable's skeletal structure carves into the site, activating shared spaces for relaxation and movement. As both passage and pavilion, the structure is inspired by the forms pastures and neighboring horse stables. The overall form reflects the greater characteristics of the land; a summer afternoon breeze through the fields, and pathways meandering back to camp, through the surrounding forest.

The structure is made entirely of 2x6 wood sticks and 2x10 for the bleachers. Design emphasis was placed on utilizing modular components that could be easily assembled and disassembled, reducing waste and facilitating future reuse. As the structure is completely assembled on the Pickathon festival site thinking modular aloud for phasing of project construction and ensuring little impact was made to the ground condition. One challenge of our design was creating a circular form to the whole structure. Having assistance from experienced and expert craftsman, Doug Drake and Tom Kokich, we collaborated to ensure the proper angles were made for each bay for an appropriate rotation.  

The construction process was made even more memorable thanks to the support of 10-15 volunteers, including friends and family, who joined us to bring our vision to life. Their enthusiasm and hard work infused the project with a sense of camaraderie and fun, making the build not just a professional achievement but also a joyful communal experience. This collaborative spirit not only strengthened our bond with each other but also amplified our shared pride in contributing to such a meaningful Oregonian event.

Reflecting on this project, we take pride in how our design not only fulfilled the functional needs of Pickathon but also enriched the festival experience in a way that resonates deeply with our Oregon roots. As alumni of Oregon-based architecture programs—Portland State University and the University of Oregon—our team was inspired to create a structure that honored the festival’s commitment to sustainability and its celebration of the natural beauty of our state.

This project allowed us to merge our architectural expertise with our shared pride in Oregon’s vibrant cultural and environmental values. It demonstrated how temporary architecture can beautifully integrate with its surroundings and create lasting memories. Moving forward, we are excited to continue exploring ways to blend innovative design with sustainability, reflecting our dedication to both our local heritage and the future of responsible architecture. This endeavor has not only been a meaningful achievement for us but also a testament to the creative and sustainable spirit that defines our home state.