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OPB recently featured one of Bora’s new projects, the Portland State University Vernier Science Center. This four-year project reimagines the role of science buildings—not just as spaces for innovation and discovery, but as hubs for inclusion, collaboration, and cultural acknowledgment.
The recently unveiled Vernier Science Center at Portland State University (PSU) stands as a testament to collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. At Bora, we had the privilege of working closely with PSU to reimagine this vital academic space, guided by a mission to create a welcoming environment for all students, particularly those historically underrepresented in STEAM fields.
Central to the design process was the engagement of a student advisory panel made up primarily of BIPOC students. Their lived experiences and perspectives were instrumental in shaping a space that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Emma Johnson, Indigenous Traditional and Cultural Knowledge Coordinator at PSU and a member of the Cowlitz Tribe, described the center’s intention beautifully:
“This building is there to welcome you in the best way and acknowledge that your traditional knowledge is equal to Western science, if not, in my opinion, more important.”
The Vernier Science Center houses labs, classrooms, lounge areas, and family-friendly spaces—all thoughtfully designed to reflect Indigenous values and foster community connections. These design elements are more than aesthetic; they serve as a bridge between traditional and contemporary knowledge systems.
As Johnson further shared:
“Having access to a library space and gathering spaces, classrooms, and the food lab really provides not only our students, but also Native community members in orgs that we work with, an opportunity to connect and share in a way that we haven’t been able to support before.”
Our collaboration with PSU and BIPOC students on this project aimed to set a new benchmark for educational spaces—one that celebrates and supports all forms of learning and belonging.
Read the full article from OPB here.