GRIC and ASU Partner in Building Sustainable Housing Projects

March 11, 2018 

Communication & Public Affairs Office 

Gila River Indian News 

SACATON, AZ – Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, Gila River Indian Community announced the continued collaboration with Arizona State University in building sustainable housing projects (Adobe/Vatho structures).  These structures were on display at the 56th Annual Mul-Chu-Tha Fair and Rodeo, March 9-11, 2018.

Governor Lewis stated, “This project has brought together the history and culture of our Community by utilizing traditional and modern building methods.  Our ultimate goal is to build an adobe model home with modern amenities that can be replicated to provide sustainable homes for our Community.  I want to thank ASU President Michael Crow for his continued support over the years of our various partnerships with ASU.”

The Adobe/Vatho structure was designed by ASU graduate, Selina Martinez, a member of the Pascua Yapui Tribe, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from the Design School, and supervised by Wanda Dalla Costa, Institute Professor, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and Associate Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, and member of the Saddle Lake First Nation. The build was led by GRIC master builder Aaron Sabori (master builders are community members who have built in the traditional architecture style).

The intent of the build is to provide interaction and comments from Community members at the annual fair.  The Tribal Recreation/Wellness Program provided the site in which these structures can be displayed.     

The Gila River Indian Community/ASU collaboration is consistent with two of ASU’s eight design aspirations, Leverage our Place and Transform Society, which guide the university’s work toward achieving excellence, access, and impact. “These sustainable housing concepts align with the cultural and natural environment in tribal communities honoring the special connection to place and space,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow.

“ASU is committed to assisting the Gila River Indian Community in designing an innovative future that is reflective of their core values.”