2023 Design Awards
Honor Award
Cementerio del Barrio de los Lipanes
Category:Built
Firm: MASS Design Group​
Jury Notes: A spatial reclamation of an indigenous burial ground as part of the struggle for cultural recognition of the Lipan Apache.
Initially, we wondered: Is this Architecture? But we all realized this project is about fundamental placemaking.
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Striking in simplicity and layering of thinking with ultimate respect for its culture and purpose. Effortlessly respects culture, purpose, and land.
The design sensitively addresses site and materiality through the concept of the rippling gabion walls, creating a space for healing and gathering.
The Radiating rings suggests influence of past, opportunities for future and centrality of a singular subtle yet iconic idea using a refreshing earth-work typology.
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A beautiful, thoughtful, important project; a simple+graceful intervention that is scalable and respectful of the earth.
Merit Award
Vladem Contemporary
Category:Built
Firm: dnca + Studio GP
Architects of Record: Devendra N Contractor AIA, Deirdre Harris AIA, Graham Hogan
Jury notes:
A well-executed building incorporating the existing structure but also creating a new landmark within the city.
Use of materials such as the folded aluminum screen creatively add another layer of meaning to the otherwise straightforward box-like forms.
Expressing Commodity-Firmness-Delight.
Strong diagram, Clean concept, handsome graphics.
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An elegant building, well executed.
Merit Award
Ojo Caliente Historic Bath House
Category: Builg
Architect: Krupnick Studio LLC
Architect of Record: Michael Krupnick AIA
Jury notes:
Respect for the Past
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A successfully executed reconstruction of an existing bathhouse dealing admirably with a challenging site.
Expressing a regional tone in material color, form and detail, echoing the spirit of New Mexico.
Locally hand-made trusses and reclaimed material from the original building create an inventive, authentic, and appropriate historic reconstruction, telling the story of the original building while creating a modern and refined oasis.
Commendation Award
Twirl Playspace Airlock
Category: Built
Architect: Henry Architects LLC
Arichect of Record: Alix Henry AIA
Jury notes:
A refreshingly bold colorful design.
The architect understood the assignment. Playful yet bespoke in an historic structure, it should make impact on Taos's youngest residents inspiring wonder and creativity.
Delightful, sensory success for a playful children’s environment.
Commendation Award
Santa Fe Baked and Brew
Category: Built
Architect: Hoopes + Associates
Architects of Record: Craig Hoopes AIA, Charles Rosenburg, Kate Holland
Jury notes:
Simple and clear. Adaptive reuse at a time when re-use is becoming more important than ever.
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We originally appreciated this as a satisfying before-and-after transformation, but it is also a clever and responsible repurposing of a nostalgic existing structure into a community-serving space. And a truly remarkable achievment given the shoestring budget of $100,000! The client must be elated.
Proof that adaptive reuse does not have to be costly to create something new.
Commendation Award
Maul/Harnar Residence
Category: Built
Architect: Krupnick Studios LLC
Architect of Record: Michael Krupnick AIA
Jury notes:
Unique floating roof concept Structural Suspension gives a sense of weightlessness to the roof structure. This project stood out from other residential entries.
It reads as a multi-generational experiment in difficult sites, ethereal structures with experiential doors and furniture.
The jury was intrigued to understand how, rather than imposing style or prefererences, the architect served as a medium for the owners to tell the story and pay homage to Jeff Harner, one of New Mexico’s originals.
The collaboration of Owner, Artist, and Architect succeeds in execution of an ‘idea’.
Light on the floor and ceiling are form-drivers emphasizing the lightness of structure.
Some were hoping for less connection between the walls and ceiling to accent the floating roof.
Innovation Award
Caddo Nation Child Care Center
Category: Conceptural
Architect: MASS Design Group
Jury notes:
Clear delineation of the program into separate bars combining to form a modest, yet effective form. Basic but quite understandable.
Passive design and carbon reduction principles is commendable, and we hope the design will be pushed as the project goes forward.
The purpose and ultimate solution, while not yet fully refined, fulfills a mission and purpose that will serve the Caddo Nation and its people well.
2023 Jury
Kimble Hobbs
Jury Chair
Angela Schwab
Ravi Rab
Scott Findley