The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians hired SĀJ Architecture through a competitive solicitation process to design the expansion of its public health department within the existing community health clinic building. The new offices and clinical spaces occupy approximately 7,000 square feet of the previously vacant ground floor.
The Siletz Public Health Department supports behavioral health programs; offers drug and alcohol abuse prevention and harm reduction services; and provides the CARE program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Additionally, the space includes an apothecary and rooms for food preservation workshops, community meetings, and other public health–related programs.
We worked closely with clinic staff and tribal members to incorporate culturally specific design features, including display areas, mosaics of local flora and fauna important to the tribe, and murals of locally significant natural areas. Our team applied trauma-informed design principles to create a sense of safety and security for those seeking care.
