Wayne Morse Federal Courthouse
This gorgeous new building, designed by architect Thom Mayne, is without a doubt the most interesting building in Eugene. Open since November 2006, it's probably the most interesting building in Oregon.
With its soaring titanium-clad surfaces and its finely detailed interior, it offers a sense of surprise to the visitor at practically every turn; best of all is the intimate interaction between the building's metal skin and Oregon's gray light. The one disappointment is that, dropped as it is into a dull downtown, there's practically no place from which to see it. Best is to park nearby -- oh yeah, they kind of forgot parking lots -- and walk right up to its front. You can go in, too, but expect a serious security gate, akin to getting on an airplane.
Upstairs you can find a sprawling outdoor metal sculpture by New York art star Matthew Ritchie..
Photo: Wayne Morse Courthouse 2006
all text and images © 2005-06 by Bob Keefer
no reproduction allowed in any form without written permission