The new East County Library in Portland, Oregon, which will offer a variety of services and activities, has presented its initial renderings, designed by Adjaye Associates in conjunction with Holst Architecture, the primary architect of record. The 95,000-square-foot building's design was influenced by substantial community input and interaction. By setting up focus groups, surveys, teen outreach programs, and open community events, a number of regional organizations support these initiatives. Since the project is still in the schematic design stage, the images that have been provided are preliminary versions that may alter as a result of feedback.
Project info:
Project title: East Multnomah County Library
Architecture: Adjaye Associates
Local architect: Holst Architecture
Location: Portland, Oregon
Client: Multnomah County Library
Status: schematic design phase, construction expected to begin 2024.
The new library's location was chosen because of its accessibility to the public transportation network, which benefits most Multnomah County residents. A public outdoor space in front of the library welcomes onlookers and entices them to explore the space's capacity for transformation. This welcoming area also connects to the South Civic Hub, a place where folks can unwind and socialize.
The mission of the East County Library is to meet the requirements of the neighborhood it serves. The program is expanded to include a huge auditorium to provide a venue for family festivities, talks, concerts, and other cultural activities. The library also has sections set aside for reading, learning about cutting-edge technology, working together, and celebrating. A warm interior design and enough natural light help to create a stimulating and relaxing learning environment.
Since the project's conception, community involvement has been a key component. By setting up focus groups, local organizations assisted in directing the first stage of community participation. The "2016 Framework for Future Library Spaces," the result of the work, strongly influenced the design answer. Several potential future features have been offered by later rounds of community feedback. These include solutions like family-friendly early learning centers, teen-only areas, and career counseling.
Through the end of February 2023, the East County Library will be at the schematic design stage. Following community feedback, the design may be revised, with plans to further hone the solution commencing in March 2023 during the design development stage. The project website, which provides information on the timeline, events, and other ways to get involved, invites the community to keep up with the development of the new library.