Multnomah County Central Courthouse

Portland, OR

42 Courtrooms

450,000 sf

Seventeen story courthouse located in downtown Portland, directly across from the historic Hawthorne Bridge. A corner entrance welcomes visitors in to a triple height lobby space where public screening and information can be found. Wood slat ceilings bridge the gap between exterior and interior, and a grand staircase, visible from the street leads the public up to the public terminals and courtrooms beyond.

Access to natural light, acoustic privacy, and technology were the three driving factors of the courtroom design. Acoustically rated clerestory windows allow visual access to natural light within the courtrooms, while cove lights and linear down lights provide even light within the courtroom space. Wood slats with acoustic batting behind are wrapped around the room to reduce reverberation time and increase acoustic privacy.