The interpretive center for Taos, New Mexico: A study of architecture in context

Abstract

New architecture must respond to the fundamental issues and various aspects of a region, such as the need to provide visual continuity or harmony among the already established built environment, no matter what the period. This built environment consists of Indian, Spanish and Anglo influenced architecture. This new architecture must relate to a region, to a specific location, to topography, to climate, the culture and the emotional needs of the people, very simply 'the context'. To create an architecture in context this thesis will focus on the movements of Critical Regionalism and Regionalism in architecture to integrate a new architecture into an existing, visually harmonious context by the use of motifs derived more or less directly form the existing style, whatever that context may be. In conclusion, the contextual appropriateness should contain particulars of historical origin and context, local traditions and pertain to local vernacular. The Interpretive Center of Taos, New Mexico will function as a visitors' center for the entire region, and serve as a visual landmark for the community. The facility wiU function as a place for everyone, fi^om visitor's, students, and inhabitants, of this region to visit and experience the history, qualities and cultures that make this region so unusual and distinctive. The programmed size of this facility is 27,350 sq. fl.. The site I have chosen is located in the city of Taos, New Mexico which is located in the County of Taos in the region of northeast New Mexico. This region has a vast array of contextual elements such as cultures, materials and climates that are unique and distinctive to this region. Special attention must be given to these elements in order to present an architecture that fits into an existing context.

Description

Keywords

Architecture, Visitors' centers -- Design and construction, Cities and towns -- Interpretive programs, Regionalism in architecture

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