History

The Knight Library, as it currently stands, has undergone three major additions since its original construction in 1937. First designed by Ellis F. Lawrence, the building was considered "exotic . . . a combination of modernized Lombardy and Greco-Roman with art deco details." Funding for both interior artworks and architectural features was provided by the WPA Federal Art Project. University of Oregon art and architecture students and faculty contributed to these works. To read more about the design of the 1937 historic Knight Library, explore here.

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ADDITIONS:
1950: The library’s first major addition of 57,000 sq. ft. was designed by architects Lawrence, Tucker, and Wallman. Ellis F. Lawrence’s son, H. Abbott Lawrence, was a principal at the firm.

1966: An addition of 100,000 sq. ft. was designed by architects Clare K. Hamlin and B. King Martin, who during their careers designed many schools in Eugene.

1988 - 1994: In attempts to accommodate growth in the library’s collections, increase the number of seats for library users, and to account for rapidly changing technologies, the library underwent its largest renovations and additions to date, adding 132,000 sq. ft. Details regarding this expansion can be read here.

The figure above was a part of a 1987 analysis contemplating the future spatial needs of the Knight Library as the University prepared to select architects tasked with designing a new addition. To explore the 1987 report, read more here.

The above images are etchings of the Knight Library's construction in 1937, including a balcony detail, and a 1941photograph of the terrace and façade. The etchings were made by UO student, Gordon W. Gilkey, for his Master of Fine Arts thesis project.