Cultural Influences: The Gila River flows through the community and is tied to the planting cycle.
The Landscape at the main building approach is designed with the symbology of a River Walk leading from the new parking to the east entrance. An enclosed outdoor area with an amphitheater is designed to encourage group meetings and connectivity to nature which is a big component in Traditional Healing.
Gila River Health Care identified a need to expand the dental clinic, podiatry clinic, women's health clinic and the Purchase & Referred Care (PRC) department at the existing Hu Hu Kam Indian Hospital in Sacaton. The expansion relocated all the above functions except for the dental clinic within a few two-story expansions to the hospital. The new dental clinic was designed as phase one within the vacated footprint of the one-story structure.
JSRa was the Design Partner of the Design Build team and gave priority to integrating the new structure with the existing campus while allowing circulation between the existing hospital and the new facility. Colors, shapes, and materials such as circular forms, Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) finishes and earth tones were used in order to enhance the hospital, eliminating conflicting elements.
The new building enhances the patient experience with the use of contemporary openings that welcome the northern light into patient waiting areas on both floors as well as ease of access to both levels. A new conference facility is located on the second floor with views to the San Tan mountains and the expansive Sonoran Desert beyond.
