Socially Conscious Design: Medical Marijuana Dispensary Wins Architecture Award [Pics]

The American Institute of Architects’ 2011 Design Award winner for Interior Architecture was the San Francisco Patient and Resource Center (SPARC), a medical marijuana dispensary that provides cheap, quality cannabis to patients. The AIA stated:

The architecture strove to convey their socially conscious philosophy by giving the medical cannabis industry a positive presence in the community, with an environment of grace and craft through environmentally sensitive design and inventive detail. The jury saluted the strong social commentary and apothecary-like feel of this beautiful project.

Designed by Sand Studios, the center features wooden boxes stacked all along one wall, a menu and prices on hanging LCD screens and glass pendant lamps. The counters, tables and benches are made from locally-sourced oak and the marijuana is stored in glass apothecary jars with custom designed labels.

SPARC

Sand Studios

[via Architizer]