Tim Prins
The iconic Portland International Airport (PDX) carpet became a beloved symbol of Portland’s unique style and quirkiness. Designed in 1987 by the architecture firm Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership, the carpet’s bold geometric pattern was part of a renovation to modernize the airport’s interior and quickly became a favorite for travelers and locals alike. Over the years, the carpet garnered a cult following, with many celebrating it as an unofficial symbol of Portland. In 2014, when the airport began replacing the carpet as part of a major renovation, public outcry led to the creation of souvenirs and a continued cultural fascination, solidifying its place as a local icon.
In 2024, responding to public demand and the enduring popularity of the design, Portland International Airport decided to bring the iconic carpet back in select areas of the airport, allowing travelers to once again experience a piece of Portland’s cultural history.
To develop this table runner, Tim studied a sample of the original carpet and made a 16-shaft Summer and Winter pattern. He wove it on an 8-shaft Schacht Baby Wolf loom, which required significant hand manipulation due to it being short 8 shafts. The piece is woven with 5/2 and 10/2 perle cotton, capturing the geometric style of the carpet in a nod to Portland’s unique cultural symbol.