Second Floor Reception
Second Floor Reception
Multipurpose room with radial ceiling design
Staff Lounge
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County of Santa Clara Vietnamese American Service Center

New Service Center honors the Vietnamese culture with pride and respect.

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Completed
2021
Location
San Jose, CA
Client
County of Santa Clara
Size
37,000 s.f.

Santa Clara County boasts one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the world outside of their homeland.  The integrated services provides healthcare, mental health and social services to serve the needs of the neighborhood community.  This project was completed in partnership with Aedis Architects.

There’s been (other) buildings built to provide services for ethnic groups, but I believe this one is so special, It feels sometimes like we’ve been invisible. And this is the first time a building has been designed with so much care and effort to recognize the culture, recognize where we’ve been, recognize how we got here, and recognize our presence. So it’s such an honor to have that happen in America.
Jenny Do, a lawyer and community activist
Details such as the visual reference in privacy panels create a cultural connection with visitors. Upon seeing this feature, a group of elders spontaneously began reciting a Vietnamese poem about rice fields.

Details such as the visual reference in privacy panels create a cultural connection with visitors. Upon seeing this feature, a group of elders spontaneously began reciting a Vietnamese poem about rice fields.

Cultural references extend to areas of high public use that are often overlooked. The restrooms incorporate tiles commonly seen In people’s homes. And the entry panel features colorful paper strips arranged in bamboo-like groves.

Cultural references extend to areas of high public use that are often overlooked. The restrooms incorporate tiles commonly seen In people’s homes. And the entry panel features colorful paper strips arranged in bamboo-like groves.

Color and art are used to reinforce wayfinding in the clinic areas. Each hallway has a different color accent, aiding the staff 5. in directing visitors and helping patients find their way from exam rooms back to the waiting area.

Color and art are used to reinforce wayfinding in the clinic areas. Each hallway has a different color accent, aiding the staff 5. in directing visitors and helping patients find their way from exam rooms back to the waiting area.

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