Oregon Library Mimics Forest Atmosphere Through Timber Architecture
The new East County Library integrates natural design elements to foster community engagement.
1Nature-Inspired Architectural Vision
Completed in 2026, the East County Library in Gresham, Oregon, utilizes biophilic design to mimic a forest environment. Architects Holst Architecture and Adjaye Associates incorporated towering wooden columns and expansive skylights to bridge the gap between public infrastructure and the natural character of the Pacific Northwest landscape for local visitors.
2Structural Timber Components
The 95,000-square-foot facility features approximately 1,200 engineered wood beams and 300 cross-laminated timber panels. These materials remain largely exposed, creating a warm, geometric canopy that defines the interior atmosphere. Natural light filters through these structures, producing a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that shifts throughout the entire day.
3Central Sculptural Staircase
A sweeping, curved staircase serves as the library's focal point, providing a visual contrast to the rigid, orderly arrangement of timber columns. Wrapped in closely spaced wooden slats, the structure offers views of a landscaped seating area below. This design element introduces organic movement into the building's otherwise linear, structured architectural layout.
4Community-Driven Design Choices
Local residents played a significant role in shaping the library's functional layout and aesthetic. Over 550 community members voted on the interior color palette, ultimately selecting the Cool Coastal scheme. Public feedback also directly influenced the inclusion of dedicated children's spaces, an auditorium for performances, and specialized teen study areas.
5Zoned Activity Spaces
The library is organized into distinct zones based on noise levels and activity types. The western section hosts energetic areas like children's play zones and an auditorium, while the eastern end provides quiet, focused reading spaces. This gradual transition ensures that diverse community activities coexist comfortably within a single, unified building.
6Modern Creative Facilities
Beyond traditional book collections, the library functions as a hub for modern creative production. A dedicated learning room provides access to 3D printers and laser engravers for practical experimentation. Additionally, an audiovisual studio supports the production of podcasts and videos, transforming the library into a destination for active community participation.
7Strategic Urban Integration
The library occupies a former underused park-and-ride site, strategically positioned near light rail stations and bus routes. A landscaped pedestrian pathway connects the public plaza to these transit hubs, encouraging daily neighborhood movement. Rooftop terraces and outdoor gathering spaces further extend the library's footprint into the surrounding urban environment for visitors.
8Redefining Public Spaces
By blending architectural innovation with community-centric programming, the East County Library serves as a model for modern public buildings. It demonstrates how timber construction and resident input can create accessible, multi-functional environments. The project successfully transforms a transit-adjacent site into a vital hub for learning, social interaction, and creative growth.
Original article: Yanko Design — Oregon Library Mimics Forest Atmosphere Through Timber Architecture