Lac Vieux Desert Health Center

Watersmeet, Michigan

2016

32,000 sf

Steve Knutson, Julie Spiering, Rebecca Lewis

Project Status: Completed Project

Healthcare

Scope:

Master Planning Architecture Interior Design FF&E Programming

Over the course of two months, planning meetings were held to discuss the future of the Lac Vieux Desert Health Center. DSGW Architects lead meetings that included Indian Health Service staff, tribal community members, clinic staff and providers, clinic task force members and the Tribal Council, both current and incoming.

The information developed from these meetings directed the outcome of the feasibility study results and overall clinic program and design that was used to acquire funding for a new facility.

The new Lac Vieux Desert Health Center has 12 exam rooms with two procedure rooms and a care team area, a nine-chair dental suite with lab services, retail pharmacy, imaging suite, clinical lab, chiropractic and physical therapy department, optical department with sales area and two patient exams, behavior health and family services, administrative suite and a community gathering room.

The center is welcoming to both Tribal and non-Tribal patients, with subtle cultural integration incorporated into the design.

The detailing and character of the main waiting room reflects patterns, textures, and designs inspired by the Tribal community.

Skylight above the waiting area floods the space with natural light.

The chairs are finished with specially sourced Pendleton Wool in an Indigenous pattern.

The sub-waiting room is partially enclosed with acrylic panels impregnated with twigs, providing some degree of privacy.

The Nurses Station features sit-to-stand desks and a large skylight providing natural light promoting wellness for the clinic staff.

Custom display cases with birch bark paneling line the main circulation path, creating areas for reflection.

A medicine wheel adorns the apex of the wooden structure in the community room.

A second fireplace flanked by custom display cases, welcomes community members into the space.

Custom casework, furniture and a detail to lighting support an optimal purchasing experience in the optical shop.

The Nurses Station is central and core to the clinic spaces.

A window with views to the outside create a calming atmosphere in each of the supporting dental spaces.

Custom casework with glass doors for visibility and easy access to supplies support the medical procedure rooms.