The Southwest United States is known for civic and monumental designs. These projects establish iconic, contemporary expressions that move beyond vernacular traditions. Located on sites throughout Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, they are designed with modern aesthetics and new ideas. Novel spatial experiences and formal approaches are being explored by both local and international architects. Standing in contrast to the intimate, discreet spaces found within southwest residential architecture, these buildings are prominent landmarks and nodes within their respective cities.
Hemlock Ave. House / Chioco Design
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Architects: Chioco Design
- Area: 2000 ft²
- Year: 2019
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Manufacturers: Louis Poulsen, Ann Sacks, Cedar and Moss, Cle Tile, Quantum Windows & Doors
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Professionals: Drophouse Design, Miars Construction, MJ Structures
Clear Rock Ranch / Lemmo Architecture and Design
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Architects: Lemmo Architecture and Design
- Area: 450 ft²
- Year: 2016
Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences / Diamond Schmitt Architects
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Architects: Diamond Schmitt Architects
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Manufacturers: Decoustics, Lutron, Owens Corning, Terrazzo & Marble, Acoustacorp, +30
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Professionals: Entuitive, MWM Architects Inc., Parkhill, Crossey Engineering Ltd., Hugo Reed and Associates Inc., +3
Civic Works: Iconic Dallas Landmarks Rethinking Design in Texas
Dallas is home to a high concentration of structures by world-renowned architects. With some of the most iconic architecture per square mile of any American city, Dallas boasts designs by six Pritzker Prize Laureates, all within close distance to the up and coming Arts District. From Norman Foster’s Opera House to Thom Mayne’s Museum of Nature and Science, these projects are emblematic of a larger city-wide design culture.
Inglewood Courtyard House / Mark Odom Studio
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Architects: Mark Odom Studio
- Year: 2020
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Manufacturers: Ceasar Stone, Ferguston plumbing gixtures
Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion / Lake|Flato Architects
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Architects: Lake|Flato Architects
- Area: 5400 ft²
- Year: 2014
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Manufacturers: Big Ass Fans, Owens Corning, Assa Abloy, DuPont, Zurn, +25
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Professionals: TLC Engineering for Architecture, Datum Engineers, Biohabitats
Confluence Park / Lake|Flato Architects + Matsys Design
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Architects: Lake|Flato Architects, Matsys Design
- Area: 900 ft²
- Year: 2018
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Manufacturers: Tremco, Kreysler & Associates, Lumenpulse, Mission Solar, Prosoco
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Professionals: SpawGlass, CNG Engineering, Rialto Studio, Inc.
1211 East Eleventh Studio / Furman + Keil Architects
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Architects: Furman + Keil Architects
- Area: 9000 ft²
- Year: 2019
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Manufacturers: GRAPHISOFT, Metal Sales Manufacturing Corp., Western/ Windows
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Professionals: Word + Carr Design Group, AEC, IE2 Construction
Tips for Using Rainwater in Architectural Projects
The total amount of water on our planet has, theoretically, stayed the same since earth's formation. It's possible that the glass of water you drank earlier contains particles that once ran down the Ganges River, passed through the digestive system of a dinosaur, or even cooled a nuclear reactor. Of course, before it quenched your thirst, this water evaporated and fell as rain millions of times. Water can be polluted or misused, but never created or destroyed. According to a UNESCO study, it is estimated that the Earth contains about 1386 million cubic kilometers of water. However, 97.5% of this amount is saline water and only 2.5% is fresh water. Of this fresh water, most (68.7%) takes the form of permanent ice and snow in Antarctica, the Arctic, and in mountainous regions. Another 29.9% exists as groundwater. Ultimately, only 0.26% of the total amount of fresh water on Earth is available in lakes, reservoirs, and watersheds, where it is easily accessible for the world's economic and vital needs. With the population steadily increasing, especially in urban areas, several countries have already had severe problems with providing the necessary amount of drinking water to their populations.
Butterfly Effect: 4 Principles for Fighting Global Issues Through Architecture
In a predominately urban world that constantly has to deal with complex problems such as waste generation, water scarcity, natural disasters, air pollution, and even the spread of disease, it is impossible to ignore the impact of human activity on the environment. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and it is urgent that we find ways to slow down the process, at the very least. Toward this end, our production, consumption, and construction habits will have to change, or climate change and environmental degradation will continue to diminish the quality and duration of our lives and that of future generations.
Although they seem intangible and distant, these various energy inefficiencies and waste issues are much closer than we can imagine, present in the buildings we use on a daily basis. As architects, this problem is further amplified as we deal daily with design decisions and material specifications. In other words, our decisions really do have a global impact. How can we use design to create a healthier future for our world?
Guadalupe River House / Low Design Office
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Architects: Low Design Office
- Area: 2884 ft²
- Year: 2017
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Manufacturers: Don Young Company, Factory Building Store, Jimmy's Cypress, Metalcraft, New Braunfel's Glass, +1
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Professionals: JM Structural Engineering
Saxum Vineyard Equipment Barn / Clayton Korte
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Architects: Clayton Korte
- Area: 2340 ft²
- Year: 2018
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Manufacturers: AutoDesk, Chaos Group, Adobe, Bock Lighting, Cooper Cambria, +4
Lakeview Residence / Alter Studio
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Architects: Alter Studio
- Area: 5900 ft²
- Year: 2011
Walk-in Showers Without Doors or Curtains: Design Tips and Examples
Because it doesn't include a bathtub, or require doors, screens, or curtains, the walk-in shower often makes bathrooms appear larger, cleaner, and more minimalist.
However, some precautions must be taken when designing them. Most importantly, the shower cannot be left completely open, even if it appears to be at first glance. Most designs incorporate a tempered glass that prevents water from "bouncing" out of the shower space, subtly closing the area. When this transparent division doesn't have a frame, the appearance of fungi due to accumulation of water and moisture becomes less likely.
Casey House / Side Angle Side
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Architects: Side Angle Side
- Area: 1900 ft²
- Year: 2018
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Manufacturers: GRAPHISOFT, Fisher & Paykel, Alpha Granite, Delta Millworks, Ferguson Enterprises, +2
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Professionals: Waller Build Co, Patterson Electric, Studio Balcones