Pairing with p:ear this Park(ing) Day

UPDATE: For photos of the event, visit our Facebook page.

On Friday, September 16, SERA staff will launch a temporary lounge outside of the nonprofit p:ear for this year’s Park(ing) Day. A standard 8-foot-by-20-foot parking spot on NW Flanders at 6th will be transformed from asphalt into a folding topography of seating, plants and grassy groundcover for one day only.

As part of the national effort aimed at reclaiming streets for pedestrians, SERA’s installation at p:ear is a continuation of the firm’s long-standing support of the nonprofit. This year, the event will coincide with the opening of p:ear’s new Barista School – an 8-week job-training program that provides homeless youth professional experience with roasting, espresso making, customer service, money management and marketing.

SERA’s Park(ing) Day design will feature a variety of seating that is reconfigurable, allowing users to push, pull and fold pieces to alter the design. True to SERA’s sustainability credo, the lounge will consist of reclaimed materials, including wood and bi-fold doors sourced from The Rebuilding Center. Following the event, the modular furniture and potted plants will find new homes at p:ear and with SERA employees, eliminating unnecessary waste.

p:ear’s Barista School will also be serving custom drinks at its retail window from 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Park(ing) Day. The lounge will be open for public use until 4:30 p.m.

p:ear’s space at 338 NW 6th Avenue was designed pro-bono by SERA and completed in 2008. Supporting the nonprofit’s mission to creatively mentor homeless youth, the center includes a library, tutoring space, art gallery, music rooms and a kitchen.

For media inquires, email Shelby Schroeder, or call 503-445-7393.