Oregon proposals would deliver 8,800sq m centre on park-and-ride site
Adjaye Associates has unveiled concept designs for a new public library in Oregon that would be more than double the size of the practice’s Stirling Prize shortlisted Idea Store in Whitechapel, east London.
Its early-stage proposals for East County Library in suburban Portland have been created in conjunction with local practice Holst Architecture and envisage an 8,800sq m facility that includes an auditorium for cultural events as well as reading and computer areas.
Adjaye’s Idea Store, which was completed in 2005, offers 3,440sq m of space over four floors. It does not have a dedicated auditorium, however.
The East County Library concepts were created for the Gresham City Hall park-and-ride site, which client Multnomah County plans to purchase for the project.
Anne Lewis, deputy director of Multnomah County Library, said Adjaye and Holst’s early-stage renderings gave a glimpse of the “incredible beauty and transformation” that the new centre would bring to the local area.
“This library will offer new, innovative spaces for reading, technology, learning, collaboration and celebration – and we are so excited to build this alongside the community every step of the way,” she said.
Design lead Adjaye and Holst – which is the prime architect of record for the project – are due to take their proposals through a community development stage that begins in March.
Multnomah County Library said it expected construction would begin in early 2024 for completion in the second half of 2025.
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