Santa Fe, NM
2004

AIA New Mexico Chapter
2009 Merit Award
AIA Santa Fe Chapter
2005 Award of Citation

A new 11,613 SF facility, parking, and grounds designed for the Santa Fe Rape Crisis Center. The facility involves the long needed consolidation of the center’s many departments under one roof: FAC (Family Advocacy Center), Law Enforcement Offices, SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), STRONGHEART (Safehouse), CARA (Counseling Against Rape and Assault), Outreach, Staff, Meeting Room, and Administration.

The new building was designed with two long wings connected by a central reception, central circulation, waiting, and staff area. The two wings house the offices including therapy, interview, processing, exam, forensic storage, administration and outreach publishing. The H-shape allows for ample natural light, privacy, security, and the ability to expand. Conventional materials and methods, such as gypsum board, carpet, and acoustic ceiling tile, are planned through-out with specific areas using more unique techniques such as high exposed metal ceilings, ceramic tile, and hanging wood soffits. Color and curved walls will be used in special areas to add interest to the expanse of offices and hallways. Ample storefront windows with some sandblasted glass creates an open, yet confidential environment.

The sitework involves the utilization of roof run-off into underground water collection cisterns for the primary irrigation of planned drought-tolerant trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers. Landscaping is used to screen the building from the elements and to create visual calming. There is a large courtyard with aspen trees and a private alcove at the other side of the reception area