Robert Thompson ’77 Creates a New Front Door for the University
For Robert Thompson ’77, designing the new Matthew Knight Arena was “the commission of a lifetime.” After graduating from the University of Oregon, Thompson founded Portland-based TVA Architects in 1984, and has since earned more than 50 national and international design awards. Soon after opening, his fledgling firm won the design contract for Nike’s world headquarters in Beaverton.
In the 23 years since, Thompson has led the design of more than 3 million square feet of office and retail space for Nike and served as head architect on the first LEED-certified building west of the Mississippi. The designer’s decades of work experience has culminated with the design of the striking new arena that will create a new gateway to the university.
The new arena is one of three buildings sitting along Franklin Boulevard between Agate and Villard, including the Ford Alumni Center and Jaqua Academic Center for Student Athletes. Taken together, the trio of buildings will create a stunning visual arrival sequence for visitors while better connecting the university with the community.
The project, which spanned almost a decade from conception through this year’s grand opening, has been a challenging process. Key to the arena’s success were committed partners working together to create a structure that pays homage to the University, Oregon Athletics and historic McArthur Court.
“Architecture is, above anything, the art of creatively solving problems,” Thompson says. “There’s nothing more exciting than engaging a client who is truly passionate or has a different idea about how a particular problem might be solved.”
Thompson, like the others on the project team, took very seriously the task of creating a building that will serve as both Eugene’s and the University of Oregon’s venue for sports and the arts for the next century.
"It's a bit like designing a new house for your parents who've lived in their home for 50 years," said Thompson. “People have had all these life experiences there, they signed up for classes, there took dates there and met their future wives there. People grow very fond and attached to buildings because of the experiences they shared in those spaces. Our design approach sought to capture the energy and intensity of Mac Court, while creating a modern facility that spoke to the future.”
Thompson has lent his talent as board advisor to the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture and Allied Arts and has served on numerous national design award juries. Despite his firm’s success, Thompson says no project has been more important than replacing the beloved McArthur Court.
“Oregon Athletics, the UO Alumni Association, students and fans were deeply involved in the creative process. It’s been truly gratifying to work with such a dedicated, talented team on a project that will contribute to the university’s legacy and place in the larger community.”