Architecture as an expression of regional identity (a high speed train terminal for Lubbock, TX.)

Architecture as an expression of regional identity. Regionalism is the study of the characteristics of a certain area or region. These characteristics are defined in many ways some of which are geographical, cultural, economical, and political. Architecturally, and generally in the past, regions had distinct characteristics defined by such physical limitations as the availability of only local materials, and history of only local forms and building methods. This gave local architecture a regional identity unique to itself Today architects are able to access information fi-om around the world. In effect the world is losing its sense of difference, and regions are losing their identity. An appropriation of forms and materials can physically express the values of a cultural region. By creating forms analogous to those that do express the cultural values of the South Plains, I can give architectural identity to the Llano Estacado region. The Llano Estacado is a region name given to an area surrounding Lubbock, Texas. I am proposing a high speed transit station on the site where Interstate highway 27, Broadway Ave., and the A.T. & S.F. Railroad currently intersect. The site is situated in a highly industrialized area of the city. East of downtown. The station will accommodate a train that stops in Lubbock one or two times a day en route to and from other major metropolitan areas such as Dallas-Ft. Worth, and Phoenix. The scope of the facility will include spaces necessary for the basic traveler and the train itself The project can fall into the 70,000 to 130,000 sq./ft. range and will act as another (presently unavailable) source of transportation in and out of the city to other major metropolitan areas.