The Aurora is a 93-unit affordable housing development led by The Aurora is a 93-unit affordable housing community developed by Human Solutions, a Portland nonprofit dedicated to expanding housing opportunities and supporting communities impacted by poverty. Within a compact urban site, Ground Workshop approached the landscape with a simple ambition: to make small spaces work harder, creating meaningful opportunities for gathering, play, and everyday connection.
The landscape balances public and private experiences through a ground-level terrace and a shared residential courtyard. At the heart of the courtyard, a children's play area brings activity and energy to the space, complemented by seating and opportunities for neighbors to gather. Careful organization of these modest outdoor spaces creates a sense of openness and belonging within the constraints of a dense urban development.
The Aurora demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform limited outdoor space into an important part of community life. Small in scale but meaningful in experience, these landscapes offer places to connect, play, and find a sense of home.
Ground Workshop is proud to be part of a collaborative team that includes Holst Architecture, Vega Civil Engineering, and Colas Construction.
Ground Workshop team: Tommy Solomon, Tom Wortman