The Salt River Pima‑Maricopa Indian Community’s new facility for its “Journey to Recovery” program reflects a deeply rooted cultural commitment to communal healing, connection to the land, and respect for individual dignity. DLR Group’s design celebrates shared gathering while integrating principles tied to Pima‑Maricopa cultural history and their relationship with the natural environment.

The form and organization of the facility create a series of gradual transitions from exterior to interior through shading structures, native landscaping, and micro‑climates that offer comfort across the hot, arid climate. The facility’s design positions communal spaces at the heart of the campus in higher‑volume structures, with more intimate residential and program spaces arranged around them to foster safety, privacy, and a sense of belonging. Exterior and interior materials draw from local precedent to blend with the surrounding land and mountains, grounding the facility as an authentic community place. By thoughtfully weaving program, site, landscape, and cultural values, the design cultivates conditions that support healing at every stage of a resident’s recovery journey.

The 44,800 SF addiction recovery facility is a new, ground‑up development consolidated on the northern half of the site to preserve land in alignment with community‑held values. The program is organized as a series of modular, pavilion‑like components arranged around a secure central courtyard that embodies the cultural importance of communal gathering. Resident‑focused spaces include a 48‑bed residential unit, shared commons, intake and detox services, daycare, and associated support functions. The building orientation follows an east‑west axis to reduce heat gain, and strategically placed openings support daylighting while minimizing thermal load. Simplified massing, shading structures, and native landscapes help regulate temperature and create usable outdoor spaces for reflection, connection, and staff interaction. The design incorporates sustainable strategies that reinforce harmony with nature while providing residents with privacy, dignity, and encouragement to remain engaged in their treatment. DLR Group provided architecture, interiors, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, audiovisual and IT, FFE, and construction administration services.