A black signpost with white text reading 'NATURE INSPIRES' next to a black informational plaque, surrounded by lush green plants, purple flowers, and rocks outside a building with large glass windows.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

Charged with environmental design and storytelling, Physical Space wove The Nature Conservancy’s mission into every aspect of its Oregon headquarters. A CNC-milled state map, a two-story river mural, furnishings in local materials, and exterior stakes evoking forest burn and the Conservancy’s four pillars root the space in Oregon’s landscape and conservation ethos.

In collaboration with Portland-based Lever Architecture, Physical Space delivered environmental design, wayfinding, code signage, custom furniture, and integrated narrative elements. Archived slides become a lit gallery, local materials define a bespoke sofa, and exterior markers express the organization’s four pillars: Protect Land and Water, Tackle Climate Change, Provide Food and Water Sustainably, and Build Healthy Cities. Every element functions as both utility and story, anchoring the space to its place.

CLIENT:
The Nature Conservancy, Oregon Conservation Center

ROLE:
Architectural + Interior Design

TEAM:
Allison Bryan, Nic Smith, Georgia Barnett, Laurel Kadas

YEAR:
2019

PHOTOGRAPHY:
Vic Garcia

Outdoor modern building with wooden roof and black signs labeled "Nature Sustains" and "Nature Untes," with bushes, rocks, and trees nearby.
A metal sign with the words "The Nature Conservancy" cut out, surrounded by green foliage.
Entrance sign for the Oregon Conservation Center at The Nature Conservancy, mounted on a wood-paneled wall with greenery in the foreground.
A modern interior with a textured abstract wall art, a blue upholstered bench with rainbow stripes on the sides, a window with a black roller shade, and outside view of parked cars.
Map showing lakes and rivers in the Klamath Basin, including Agency Lake, Upper Klamath Lake, Klamath River, Sprague River, and Lost River.
Part of a wall sign with the text 'Salmon River' and some decorative blue line drawings, partially obscured by a wooden door frame.
A quote on a white wall that reads, "Freedom is not without responsibility. We are accountable to one another, this landscape, and everything that lives on it." by Bobbie Conner, Sisāwipam. There is a green plant in the foreground and a doorway with an exit sign in the background.

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