Tribal touch

Facility: Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Health Center
Location: Reno, Nev.
Architect: Leo A Daly
Sculptor: Jim Dolan Art
Consultant: Dennis Sun Rhodes with AmerINDIAN Architecture

When designing the new ambulatory care center for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, architects at Leo A Daly looked to the Paiute, Shoshone and Washoe tribes' rich culture for inspiration.

Overlooking the Truckee River, the health center lobby features a suspended sculpture reminiscent of a traditional water basket. Based on a tribal member's original water basket made of woven bark and pine resin, the 16-foot-long sculpture's exterior uses woven canvas painted with red-ochre tones.

While the basket's bi-pointed shape is intended to keep water from spilling out when resting on its side, the sculpture hangs upside down, with a set of lights suspended from its neck, to give the impression of water pouring down the river.

"The connection to the water not only represents the tribe's history, but also contributes to a refreshing environment for patients," says Leo A Daly project manager Jim Hageman.

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