The River People Health Center, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, has an award - winning design that significantly impacts the local community. This new facility, serving the Salt River - Pima Maricopa Indian Community, is a game - changer as members previously faced a low life expectancy of only 52 years.

Funded by the U.S. Indian Health Service and on track for LEED Silver certification, the center replaced a poorly maintained golf course. It not only offers a wide range of services like primary care, pediatrics, dental, and more, but also aims to achieve the community's "5 in 5" goal. This goal is to increase the average lifespan by five years within five years of the center's opening in March 2022. By consolidating services, it eliminates the need for indigenous people to travel to various facilities across the greater Phoenix area.

Culturally, the design pays homage to the local people. Inspired by nearby mountains and a traditional story of a healer, the building's orientation and form are related to the sacred Red Mountain. The community plaza on the north side, with its concrete in multiple colors and textures, symbolizes the changing river over time. Water from rooftops flows in a way that evokes ancient canals, nurturing native plants. Environmentally, 18% of the site area is covered by native plants. Moreover, the center has provided over 225 jobs to community and tribal members, enhancing workforce self - sufficiency, and this number will double as it reaches full capacity.