The crappiest place on Earth.

It’s been a long time since we had a photo challenge. The wait is over!

“Set a course for the Nooglachmiaskoo system. I like their sense of individuality.”

“Sir?”

“Make it so, Number One!”

“Aye, sir.”

“Engage.”

Hint: The photo has absolutely nothing to do with Star Trek. But there is a wee wee clue buried in the dialogue above. For those who know me well it’s actually a very good clue. Think about it.

Hint: It’s where your guru wants to go for a picnic.

It sure looks a lot like a place where Kirk and Spock would beam down and have adventures, doesn’t it?

Oriented radially along the path of the sun, the building will feature a rooftop that folds up and down. As the seven separate folds of the roof tilt, in sawtooth rhythm clerestory windows fill the void created by the upward fold, responding to the movement of natural light and airflow. The downward fold drains the landscaped roof runoff into a berm, on the south facade, and bioswales, returning the stormwater to the Columbia Slough. The folded roof, combined with a north-oriented, louvered, and operable glass facade, will allow daylight and natural ventilation to fill the interior during working hours and make possible night flush cooling. The building’s hydronic system will connect to the plant water flow, efficiently heating and cooling.

–A description of the building

Can you identify the purpose of this architectural marvel recently constructed in Portland, Oregon? You can log your guesses in the comments section below.

You’ll never guess what they do here.