IRCO

Portland, Oregon

The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization, IRCO, is a non profit agency that provides assistance to new immigrants in their transition to the United States. The agency receives clients from every corner of the world who have decided to immigrate to Portland. The program for this project included client service areas, administration, classroom and vocational teaching areas, children’s and special needs services, and a new community meeting and youth activity center.

The project was to renovate a former retail lumber yard into the office and client education areas. A new community center and gymnasium building was built on the property together with outdoor plazas and courtyards for ethnic events and celebrations. The design goal was to create a rich built environment using durable materials on a modest construction budget. In addition, innovative design strategies were developed to assist the many non english speaking clients in their orientation and use of the building.

IRCO - Before

Community Room Building

Administration Wing

Community Room Interior

Program Services Area