Date of Completion: 2004

Building Area:
19,609 gross square feet

Contractor:
Innerspace Systems, Inc.

Designer:
Janet Carpio

This project started as a Master's Thesis project. Janet Carpio brought it to our firm because the Pueblo of Isleta wanted to make it a reality. The building was oriented so that skylights and hallways in the center portion of the building were on the solar axes for summer and winter soltices. Windows, doors and restrooms were scaled down for the children to use. The play area is located on the concave side of the building where the children can feel safe and surrounded. Isleta Pueblo is rich in tradition and culture. The building and site try to capture that in order to reach future generations. Landscaping around the building features native plants used for domestic purposes specific to the pueblo. The building and landscape are meant to be a teaching tool for the facility.