The Watershed Library
A New Page in The City
03/
Type
Cultural
3,200 sq ft
Size
2035
Completed
Portland, Oregon
Project Story
Lead Paragraph: A contemporary public library designed as a civic living room — a place for reading, gathering, and community connection in Portland's evolving Millbrook neighborhood.
DESIGN TEAM
Sarah Chen (Lead),
Marcus Williams,
Ava Okonkwo
PHOTOGRAPHY
Julian Reyes Photography
year
2024
The Brief
A contemporary public library designed as a civic living room - a place for reading, gathering, and community connection in Portland's evolving Millbrook neighborhood.
The Approach
The building is organized around a central reading room bathed in north light from a dramatic clerestory. Smaller program elements - children's area, maker space, community rooms — wrap the perimeter, each with direct access to outdoor reading gardens.
The DETAILS
The facade combines brick (referencing the historic neighbors) with expansive glazing that reveals the activity within. A green roof manages stormwater while providing habitat. The interiors feature white oak millwork, polished concrete floors, and acoustic felt ceilings.
