PDX Carpet Pattern: A Uniquely Portland Symbol

The PDX carpet, notably recognized as the face of the Portland International Airport, is far more than just a piece of floor covering. It’s an Oregon icon, having garnered fame, love, and an unanticipated cult following. Its unique look, composed of asymmetrical patterned turquoise, lilac navy, and red shapes, often triggers a sense of ‘homecoming’ for many travellers.

A Brief History

Designed in 1987 by SRG Partnership, an architectural firm, the PDX carpet was created considering Oregon’s culture and geography for inspiration. The pattern depicts the layout of the airport’s runway as seen from the air traffic control tower. Intriguingly, the abstract profiles also mimic several topographies – ranging from Oregon’s rolling landscapes to the perpendicular paths of the North, South, and East-West runways of the airport.

An Iconic Status

The carpet has been acknowledged far beyond its utilitarian role. Portlanders took ownership of the carpet’s quirky design, making it a focal point of the local character. Images of the unique carpet cropped up on everything – t-shirts, coffee mugs, socks, and even beer labels. The carpet’s trademark design became an unmistakable symbol of the city, representing Portland’s eccentric and independent spirit.

Not Just an Ordinary Carpet

• It’s a form of self-expression!

  The PDX carpet has more selfies to its name than any other carpet! Upon landing in Portland, both locals and tourists often capture photos with their feet on the unique design, and these images saturate social media with tags like #pdxcarpet.

• A creative inspiration.

  Many companies picked up on the buzz and began selling products inspired by the carpet’s pattern, cementing its place as a Portland pop-culture icon.

• A generational bond.

  Though it’s merely a carpet to an outsider, it holds a deeper connection for natives. The carpet triggers a sense of nostalgia in the hearts of locals, reminding them of beloved family trips or exciting solo adventures.

The Carpet During and Post-2015

In 2013, when the news broke that the airport planned to replace the carpet, the reaction was widespread and passionate. The change occurred in 2015, and the airport’s new carpet, while retaining a similar color scheme and spirit of the original, was welcomed with mixed opinions. To commemorate the old design, squares of the original carpet went up for sale, and to no surprise, many locals eagerly acquired their piece of local lore.

Legacy Continues

Despite the carpet change, the legacy of the old PDX carpet lives on. Its unique design that once covered over 12,000 square yards at the airport is now immortalized in Portland’s pop culture. The carpet, in all its turquoise glory, has become synonymous with the region’s identity – a testament to its unconventional popularity.

With its captivating history, the PDX carpet pattern is infinitely more than just a geometric design. It is a part of Oregon’s identity and culture, which has left an undeniable mark on the airport, the state, and its people.