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Where is it?

On Westminster Place, in a quite part of Skinker-Debaliviere Neighborhood, on the front lawn, sidewalk, and streetscape

What is it?

A group of musicians plays together, during good weather and perhaps also due to social distancing and airflow requirements. They meet every Sunday at 3pm and passersby and friends linger on porches, lawns, and sidewalks to listen – if only briefly.

Who did it?

local musicians and their audience of people they know and people who happen to be walking through the neighborhood

What purpose does it fulfil?

Currently, these weekly sessions seem to serve primarily as practice – a chance to play as a group in a pleasant, covid-friendly space.

What rules does it break (if any)?

There’s no formal rule prohibiting public music practice, though it is interesting that it takes place at the very threshold of public and private space, spilling over the edge of one member’s front lawn, onto the sidewalk, while the sound they produce is very much public. If these outdoor gatherings are due to the pandemic, perhaps there is a formal practice room somewhere sitting vacant.

Can it/should it be integrated into the formal framework?

This is a common occurrence – for musicians to play outside. It doesn’t need to be formalized with permanent structures, but through design, could be reinforced with temporary structures – objects that could be easily stored away in a car or on someone’s front porch.

How can the city accommodate informal initiatives?

Around the corner of the block, there is a public square, where casual performances – usually, for a specific cause or celebration – do happen. The city has the power and the neighborhood has the cohesion to reach an agreement about street usage on certain days. Since the auditorium is now the streetscape, converting empty parking spaces into pop-up seating would be a comfortable way for listeners to stop and enjoy.

Does it belong to any "family" of informalities?

This fits with the People, Place, and Culture because it’s entirely people-led – there is no design intent specific to a group of musicians gathering to practice. Only the will of the people to pursue their passion has brought them to this place.

Are there example of similar informal interventions in different contexts?

The best example of informal architecture for outdoor music is for the Pickathon Music Festival. Portland State’s Diversion Design Build Studio re-uses non-typical objects to form stages and backdrops for performers. Simple construction makes it easily assembled and disassembled once the short event is over.