OneFifteen’s success proves that architectural design can create a welcoming environment for substance-use treatment and even drive positive social change. Here’s what sets it apart.
Note: This article is the third and last in a series focused on substance-use disorder care. Our writer, DesignGroup Designer Kristina Bertocchi, looks at a substance-use center that includes a welcoming architectural face, an integrated structure, a consistent brand image, and a community partnership. We’re proud of her work designing for a more compassionate and equitable future. Please also see part 1 and part 2.
By Kristina Bertocchi, AIA, NCARB, Designer
Part 1 in the series explored the social stigma that can be attached to addiction and, therefore, addiction treatment centers. As architectural designers, we can contribute to positive change by rethinking our own approach to the design of addiction centers.
Part 2 in this series examined four architectural potentials for addiction treatment centers to reduce the social stigma around addiction and to create a welcoming, community-based atmosphere.
When I began writing this series, I reached the end of part 2 and believed it was complete. The previous segment ends with an open call for us to design more accepting substance-abuse centers. But the problem remained: I had never encountered an example of a facility fulfilling the four potentials. That was until I found OneFifteen, an addiction-care organization in Dayton, OH thoughtfully realized by Champlin Architecture / EOP Architects-led design team.
As an architect, what drew me to OneFifteen was the welcoming image the building presents to its occupants and the community. But when I entered it, what struck me was the passion and care that every individual who is part of the organization exudes. I was given a tour of OneFifteen by their president and CEO Marti Taylor and let me tell you – it checked all the boxes from part 2 of this series. Here’s a closer look at why.
1. A positive face to the community
When you approach the building, its exterior is up to date, stylish, and comforting. There are two free-standing buildings at this location, the Outpatient Treatment Center and OneFifteen Living. Between them sits a park-like enclosure that is full of life. It holds a community garden, walking paths, and recreation areas.
Inside both buildings is a thoughtful interior palette that Marti said was created through the lenses of trauma-informed spatial components. The design includes wood slat ceilings, green walls, and carefully selected color palettes, all contributing to an overall sense of tranquility and acceptance.
When I asked Marti how patients reacted to the physical space – and whether they commented on its caliber – she replied, “Always. And more as a thank you.”
2. Integration in whole health
I was particularly interested in the third part of the system, the Crisis Stabilization Unit. This unit is embedded in a vacated emergency department and is a short walk from the other two buildings.
“This is where we get a lot of drop-offs from EMS, police, family members, self-referrals, and people in crisis,” Marti told me. They can stay there for up to 23 hours like an ED, and then a decision is made: Will they go upstairs to the third floor (which has a slightly higher intensity level of care than OneFifteen Living) or will they head down to OneFifteen Living and then go to outpatient? “With this model,” Marti said, “all levels of care are on one campus.”
Because of their connected buildings and centers, OneFifteen allows patients to go through different stages of recovery without having to leave the system or their found community. The easily accessible and highly visible crisis center has helped Emergency Departments in the area more efficiently provide their care. By physically placing different levels of care side-by-side and using unifying brand aspects across the buildings, OneFifteen has created a successful integration that both patients and staff appreciate.
3. Consistency and superior product
In the last blog post, I used Starbucks as an example of consistency. Thanks to the stability and quality of the products at Starbucks, it has become a staple for people from various walks of life. The facilities at OneFifteen feel the same to me. They are open and accessible to people from all financial backgrounds who need services. They provide a sense of space and community that makes anyone feel welcome.
Marti Taylor was rightfully proud to tell me that the average demographics of the facility’s patients closely mimic the demographics of Dayton as a whole. When walking through OneFifteen, patients would pull Marti and me aside to tell us how much of an impact the organization has made on them.
Because of their space, staff, and systems, OneFifteen has a Net Promoter Score to be proud of. “We're better than Starbucks,” Marti said with a laugh.
4. Community integration
When OneFifteen was initially announced, the surrounding community expressed some unease. Because of the present stigma of substance-use disorders, this is a common issue for new centers. But OneFifteen leadership was determined to get the community on board. Through collaboration and open communication, OneFifteen convinced the community it was a smart move – and had data to back it up.
To ease the community’s concerns when it opened, OneFifteen added architectural accommodations to enclose the area without it feeling restrictive. Four hundred trees were planted along the boundary of the facility to give a natural feel while also creating a boundary. The exterior space is so inviting that after construction, the same community asked if they could have access to the park space for recreation and walks.
It was through cultural sensitivity and active listening that the organization was able to not only break through barriers but also bring the community together.
Now, OneFifteen meets with the Dayton Police Department every quarter to look at statistics. And interestingly enough, over the last three years since OneFifteen’s founding, crime rates in this community have gone down.
After my tour of OneFifteen, it became even more clear that the services they provide are the way through the addiction crisis. “I'll never forget it because of all the places I went, this one made me see the light. I say that from the bottom of my heart,” one patient told us.
To join the cause, architects must begin to think of the spatial components that can be brought to substance-use care, such as trauma-informed architectural practices, the exterior image of a building, and the connection to existing services through visible characteristics. But we know that there’s more to reducing stigma and providing care than just architecture. These centers need funding, staffing, leadership, and partnerships. In addition, how we fundamentally think about substance-use disorders is at the core of providing exceptional care.
By taking a moment to review motivating factors, potentials, and this story of success, I hope you feel more informed. My goal is to spark thoughtful conversation and encourage action in your respective fields and lives. If we all spread awareness and contribute just a little, we can make big leaps toward ending this crisis.
Kristina Bertocchi, AIA, NCARB
Designer
As a Designer, Kristina finds purpose in helping the client’s vision become a reality, from early conception to construction. She is dedicated to the healthcare discipline and enjoys working in a field that gives back to the communities she works in. Kristina believes communication is at the core of architecture and that successful communication results in successful projects. She balances her professional work with academic engagement at The Ohio State University, teaching freshman studio to help support the students during their challenging first year. She is also a 2024 Healthcare Design Rising Star.