2012
Pete V. Domenici Federal Courthouse, Albuquerque, NM
This SITES Pilot project transformed a 3.3 acre forlorn, paved public plaza and inaccessible lawn built in 1998 into a showpiece of sustainable design for arid climates. An occupiable work of land art was developed through creative re-purposing of materials, and the introduction of climate appropriate plantings, storm water management and photovoltaics.
The forms were inspired by the site’s cultural and ecological history, deriving geometry from both Pueblo patterning and traditional Acequia irrigation ditches and check dams. What was once unoccupiable becomes a welcoming, comfortable place for the people and a reflection of the best of our core democratic values.
Developed while at RCHS