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The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) engaged Wight to design and build the Crisis Recovery Center (CRC) to serve as an alternative to the hospital emergency department for individuals in crisis. This new facility serves as the centralized entry point for receiving in-person care for behavioral health and substance use disorder challenges. The facility includes intake and triage services to assess and connect clients with much needed care in a stress-reducing and therapeutic environment. Organized into dedicated zones for Adult, Youth, and Withdrawal Management client spaces, each wing of the building features connections and views to nature. The second floor is dedicated to staff support space.

The building is designed to prioritize the well-being of its occupants. Elements of biophilic design are heavily featured throughout the facility to support mood, reduce stress, and promote mental and physical health. Key elements of biophilia include:

Visual connection with nature
Prospect and refuge
Dynamic and diffuse light
Material connection with nature
Biomorphic forms and patterns

Crafted to infuse natural light into all patient spaces, the architecture creates an uplifting and relaxing environment. The design elements of the CRC will help the project achieve WELL Building certification, a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being.

Photo Credit: Kendall McCaugherty | Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty

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DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center

Transforming mental health care with integrative design.

DuPage County Health Department