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The Kispiox Health Centre is a small facility developed for the Gitxsan Health Society. The building provides primary medical, dental, counseling and traditional healing programs as well as community meeting space.
The health centre is oriented so that the entrance axis provides a view of the Rocher Mountain Range to the South. In plan, the building is made up of simple orthogonal shapes to maximize the limited construction budget and allow for greater participation by local labourers. The building is split into two wings with the medical services in the west wing and community functions in the east wing; this allows the building to be used for after-hours use by the community.
The central atrium is covered by a V-shaped roof supported on a wood and steel structure. The structure draws its inspiration from the traditional bridges that were built by the Gitxsan Nation. The abundant natural light in the atrium along with the use of exposed wood cladding and structure creates a warm environment suited to the principals of healthful, inviting, non-institutional, client focused care.
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