Postmodernism’s first tall office building failed its users before it entered the history books.
The Portland Building is a 15-story municipal office building in Portland, Oregon, completed in 1982. It houses offices of the City of Portland and is located adjacent to Portland City Hall. Its design — using varied surface materials and colors, small windows, and prominent decorative flourishes — was selected in a large design competition, with Philip Johnson on the jury. It is the first major postmodern tall office building and its design has been described as a rejection of Modernist principles. Many structural flaws emerged shortly after completion. In 1990, only eight years after it was built, the lobby and food court were in need of remodeling. In 2014, some city commissioners expressed the view that the building should be demolished due to extensive water infiltration and structural issues. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
building owners seeking low-maintenance infrastructure
occupants prioritising daylight or thermal comfort
The design analysis1 min read
What the work is
A 15-story municipal office building in Portland, Oregon, completed in 1982, housing offices of the City of Portland and located adjacent to Portland City Hall.
How it was made
Michael Graves’ design won a large design competition. Philip Johnson was one of three members on the selection committee.
What works
Its use of varied surface materials and colors, small windows, and prominent decorative flourishes deliberately rejected Modernist principles — making it the first major postmodern tall office building.
What does not
The building failed structurally within eight years. Water infiltration and structural issues prompted demolition calls by 2014.
What it influenced
It established postmodernism as a viable language for municipal architecture — not through precedent, but through polarising visibility.
Is it worth your time
Yes — as a case study in how stylistic intent collides with civic function, material performance, and long-term maintenance.