Oregon Convention Center

Client: Oregon Convention Center
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 1,000,000 square feet
Date: 2019
Market: Civic / Government

Overview:

The two glass towers that illuminate Portland's skyline help make the Oregon Convention Center one of the most iconic buildings in the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to being a renowned architectural structure, the Oregon Convention Center is also the largest and greenest convention center in the Pacific Northwest, totaling 1 million square feet of event space. Over half a million people visit the iconic location every year.

Goal:

In 2019 Oregon Convention Center underwent a massive $40 million renovation. A critical aspect of the renovation project was to enhance the public seating areas and lobby spaces used by event attendees.

Since the space is so massive – nearly 1 million square feet – and since the space attracts so many people – over 600,000 people annually – and since the space needs to be reconfigured for hundreds of events – over 500 events every year – that meant the furniture, design, and layout needed to accommodate a long list of conditions.

Solution:

Our team at PacificWRO selected sculptural furniture pieces, which were visually intriguing, comfortable, reconfigurable, and a variety of shapes and sizes.

We worked diligently to accommodate event circulation paths to allow people to navigate the space in a natural way.

We took into account the different ways visitors and event attendees desire to work, connect, meet, and relax.

Sustainability is woven into the DNA of Portland. Therefore, all of our products, fabrics, and materials met stringent sustainability requirements.

The entire renovation was designed to reflect Oregon’s unique landscape and environment: Pacific Northwest forest canopies, moss-covered floors, green accents, and more.

Project Partners:

Client: Metro
Contractor: Colas Construction
Photographer: Sally Painter