Critical regionalism in the Rio Grande Valley: A single family housing development

Facility Statement: This project will be a middle class single-family housing development in McAllen, Texas. The complex will include a community center for residents as well as shared outdoor space to provide for community gatherings. Context Statement: McAllen is located in the Rio Grande Valley, one of the more culturally rich areas of Texas, which is currently growing very rapidly. Due to the rapid growth rate development pushes forward with little if any advancement of regional design or respect for traditional cultural values. This facility will be designed using regionally appropriate features of traditional town planning, which will help give a stronger sense of community. Theory Statement: By utilizing the theory of critical regionalism with a thorough understanding of vernacular and cultural factors, an architectural design can be both contemporary and regionally appropriate. This combined with designing specific to the site will allow for an enhanced sense of place and feeling of community.