At Pickathon, we’re building more than just a music festival. Imagine a sprawling 4-day nature metropolis, a vibrant city that springs to life, comprised of 20 unique and individually curated neighborhoods, each offering its own distinct atmosphere and discoveries. Today, we’re giving you an exclusive sneak peek into The Grove – one of nine distinct Pickathon neighborhoods that will host a dedicated stage – and the wonderfully unique new experiment taking shape there.
Deep in the heart of The Grove, something truly wild is taking root this year, and it’s growing fast. Get ready to discover “The Fractal Forest.”
More Than a Stage: A Living, Breathing Installation
This is not just any new structure; it’s a captivating experiment in immersive design. Imagine a space that’s part dynamic performance venue, part captivating sculpture, and all vision, nestled within the unique environment of The Grove. That’s the Fractal Forest. Conceived by the innovative minds at Scott Edwards Architecture and brought to life through a landmark collaboration with the Home Building Foundation and Bremik Construction, this isn’t just a backdrop for music; it’s a living installation designed to echo the profound rhythms of nature and community.
The design itself is inspired by the infinite, recurring patterns we see in the natural world—the intricate beauty of a fern, the branching of trees, the mesmerizing complexity of a snowflake. The Fractal Forest will rise organically from the forest floor, set against a dense, dramatic layer of Douglas Firs, appearing as if it has always belonged there. With its complex layers and intelligently interlocking forms, the structure explores how dynamic systems can emerge, creating an atmosphere that feels both deeply natural and strikingly futuristic.
Picture interlocking modular frames reaching skyward, with delicate tendrils that seem to float gracefully above the stage, catching the light and dancing with the music.
Built with Purpose, Designed for the Future
Our commitment at Pickathon extends beyond the weekend of the festival. The Fractal Forest is a testament to this. Its innovative structure is fully modular and designed to be recyclable, ensuring its life continues long after the last note has played. We’re thrilled that after Pickathon, all the materials used to construct this incredible neighborhood will be thoughtfully repurposed, finding new life in local shelters across the city. This project is shaped by a shared commitment to pioneering placemaking, deep sustainability, and meaningful mentorship.
Community at its Core
What truly makes the Fractal Forest sing is the community powering its creation. Through a vital partnership with the Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center’s (POIC) pre-apprenticeship program, talented youth from across Portland are gaining hands-on construction experience, lending their skills and energy to help shape this unique festival environment. It’s a collaboration that builds not just structures, but also futures.
You’ll see the Forest begin to take its magnificent shape in the coming weeks. For now, consider this your first glimpse into a space that’s meticulously designed for unparalleled performance and built with profound purpose.
Prepare to be amazed. Prepare to explore the Fractal Forest.
