Project Location
Clackamas County, OR
Area
241,500 SF
Certifications
Targeting LEED Gold
Services
Planning, interiors, design, environmental acoustics, and lighting
Calming materials, daylight-filled courtrooms, and thoughtful layouts reduce stress and instill dignity throughout the courthouse, from chambers to courtroom.
The new Clackamas County Courthouse now stands as a six-story, 240,000-SF centerpiece of the county’s government campus. Designed by us in collaboration with Clackamas Progress Partners, the building was more than just a functional upgrade. It was an opportunity to weave together history, regional character, and the needs of modern civic life. Its placement, interior organization, and welcoming civic plaza all work in harmony to connect citizens to adjacent services while giving the courthouse a clear, commanding presence.
From the moment visitors step inside, the courthouse makes navigation simple. Clear wayfinding guides people to courtrooms and services without confusion, while a two-story public lobby offers sightlines to all public functions on each floor. The central plaza, visible from every public circulation zone, serves as an anchor point and shared visual reference. The design was mindful of both court visitors and the personnel who work within the building regularly. Offices, shared spaces, and even courtroom work areas were designed to reduce stress, foster connections, and support collaboration. Simple planes of warm wood bring dignity and calm, with direct or borrowed daylight reaching every courtroom, ensuring that even the most formal spaces feel human.
Inside, 14 finished courtrooms serve the county’s current needs, with space reserved for two more. A dedicated private circulation system connects courtrooms and support areas without intersecting public paths, enhancing security while improving operational flow. This approach also ensures the building can adapt as needs change over the next half-century.
The courthouse was delivered through a public-private P3 partnership, meeting all Oregon Judicial Department requirements while integrating seamlessly into the existing campus. Now the focal point of the government complex, it’s built to serve Clackamas County for the next 50-plus years. The project earned the IJ Global Awards’ “Social Infrastructure Deal of the Year” in 2022, recognized for its innovative approach to replacing an outdated facility while advancing community and sustainability goals. It supports the county’s target to be carbon neutral in operations by 2050 and meets Oregon’s Green Energy Technology program requirement by producing at least 25% of its energy onsite.
