The architects of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community Tribal Government Complex in Phoenix, Ariz., wanted to design a centralized location for tribal community members that reflected the cultural belief system and environmental stewardship of the tribal population.

To achieve a traditional look and feel in the structure, the architect had planned to use a battered cast-in-place (CIP) concrete wall and column design that would convey a regional character and sense of handmade construction. However, having a three story battered wall of cast-in-place concrete posed challenges of quality, cost, and schedule.

Precast concrete panels could easily meet the quality, cost, and schedule needs of the $70 million project. However, architects were initially concerned that the end product would look too pristine, ruining the weathered effect of the design. They solved this aesthetic problem by using a varied reveal pattern, integral color, and a sandblast finish to match the natural feel of a CIP-exposed structure. The precast concrete panels were also set at an angle to create the battered look of structural CIP concrete. The addition of richly colored masonry and zinc panels compliments the subdued earthen color of the concrete.

"In working closely with the precaster and through mock-ups, the design team was able to accomplish an organic handmade look that worked with the design intent and integrated well with the cast-in-place concrete" says Mark Roddy, design principal of SmithGroup in Phoenix.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
The use of precast concrete in a community-based facility has been handled extremely well, and this is a community where the respect for the land, the respect for culture and tradition, and the building also respects the climate conditions of that area. The whole project came out to be a successful one because of the use of the precast concrete in various forms, shapes, color and texture.

(As reported in the 2009 PCI Design Awards Publication)