The DDS department, once housed in the basement of the Public Service Building, now occupies a natural light filled new facility that Lane County Commissioner and Board Chair Pat Farr called a beacon of the community.
“How many dreams have gone into this?” he asked rhetorically. “The design of this building is remarkable. The way the offices are arranged, the use of color, and natural light is so well thought out and intentional.”
PIVOT used trauma-informed design as a guiding principle to create a facility to serve a vulnerable population ensuring it is accessible, feels safe to those with sensory sensitivities, and welcomes clients in a place where they feel valued.
The new 26,000-SF healthy and sustainable facility was created with durable materials, has flexibility for future growth, was designed to LEED Silver standards, and bid under budget by $1 million.
Decorated with artwork created by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the facility also has an outdoor labyrinth to promote mindfulness.
The facility also boasts technology to facilitate virtual meetings with highly adjustable lighting for those with sensory needs.
“I’m proud to be part of building that means so much to me and so many others,” said Stephen, a DDS client and advisory board member. “LCDDS helps me to be stable. Accessing a building can be challenging that others might not understand. The way this building is designed will help lead to more positive outcomes and more stable lives for the clients as well as their friends and families.”
