A Thespian Hit in the Desert: NMSU

The project team of Holzman Moss Bottino,  ASA Architects, Kohler Ronan engineers made-up the a-list ensemble on New Mexico State University’s Center for the Arts project, each member bringing their particular strength and practiced hand to its design and construction. Having made its debut last december on the corner of Espina Street and University Avenue, the three-story academic building and theater continues to receive applause from its Las Cruces and University audiences. I spoke with students, staff and the public about photographing the new building and heard firsthand all the limelight this new facility continues to receive.

Experiencing the design for myself, from basement to rooftop, I enjoyed the drama this facility provides (literally and figuratively). Visual cues from the desert and environment have been implemented in the design. Firstly, the use of native stone on the building’s facade ties the new structure to the land on which it stands. Secondly, open air terraces off the multi-tiers lobby provide views of the spectacular Organ Mountains. Thirdly, the arroyo-like lobby and its six-panel mural (Salida Del Sol: Arroyos and sister to the theater's ceiling mural Salida Del Sol also by Meg Saligman) draws directly from the desert landscape of southern New Mexico.

What makes its design unique is that it stands apart from, yet compliments, and is in rhythm with the University’s historic Trost architectural style. Being the performing arts hub for NMSU, color brings energy and drama to the established concrete, sand and stone. Like the three unexpected rainbows I witnessed on my three day visit, it can bring a feeling of joy to all who see it. 

Inside, the Mark and Stephanie Medoff Theatre seats 460+ in such an intimate way, that  even when viewing a rehearsal of Properties of Light from the second balcony I felt close to the stage and engaged with the actors comfortably. On several occasions, I was privy to the facility’s rehearsal room in use and found the space to be is as open and light filled as are the staff and students within its walls.

When the curtain call finally came and I drove past NMSU’s Center for the Arts one last time, the rising sun illuminated this landmark building and evoked feelings of levity and celebration. Bravo NMSU!

 

The Club at River Oaks – Deer & Doglegs

The Berkshire foothills provide impressive panoramic views throughout the property. The course opened in 2003 and simultaneously appeals to and challenges players of varied skill levels. It was designed by Robert McNeil, Principal Golf Course Architect and President of The Northeast Golf Company based in Rhode Island. 

The 18-hole private golf course is situated on 350 secluded acres and features McNeil’s long and wide-open fairways with several tighter holes for a par of 72. The design clearly prioritizes harmonious transitions from existing typography to the parkland classic course design. It highlights site specific elements, like the 3,000 feet of picturesque river front along the Housatonic, and responds to environmental constraints by incorporating proper buffers to protect wetlands. It’s splendid river valley views, tree-lined fairways, and rural barn and silo vignettes envelop players over the entire length of the course. 

The front nine and the back nine begin with varying doglegs and both meander through acres of woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. Deep bunkers and mature trees provide a unique challenge to players of all abilities. On the final hole, water comes into play and once on the shallow green tall oak trees hover to challenge both astute and novice players.

The practice driving range is the perfect complement to the golf course offering the prime location for warm-ups and allows players of various skill levels to work on all aspects of their swings. A practice putting green located next to the club house offers players an accurate sense of the smooth, speed of the greens before it counts out on the course.

The Club at River Oaks’ outstanding natural woodland setting combines skillfully contoured and manicured greens with challenging yet enjoyable experience for a superb golf game.

Yale University – Sterling Memorial Library

On a sunny day, I made my way to New Haven to soak up some architectural inspiration. Even before I set one foot into the Nave of this renowned facility, a Yalie provided me with some interesting facts and figures. Of the 40 libraries that grace the Yale University Campus, the Sterling Memorial Library is one of the most elaborate buildings on campus. Designed by James Gamble Rogers in the architectural style of Gothic Revival and completed in 1931.

The exterior stonework has the look of building twice its age, mainly due to Roger’s trick of splashing acid on the stone to simulate age. The structure features extravagant leaded stained glass, intricate gargoyles, ornamental ceilings, and a giant fresco. These lavish adornments are only triumphed by the library’s 3000 plus hand-crafted leaded glass windows. The windows, like the 4 million volumes housed in the building, present everything from history, to nature, and fiction.

Once inside the Nave, I better understood Gothic Revival architecture, the space was created in the image of a Gothic Cathedral. Only the pews are missing. To the right, are antique card catalog cases. To the left, desks and monitors with internet access. Straight up, ornamental vaulted ceiling provide the impression of height and grandeur.  Straight ahead, the Alma Mater fresco called me to approach the alter-like circulation desk and examine paintings’ academic subject matter.

Every space in the building, including the Franke Periodicals Room, Starr Reading Room, Irving Gilmore Music Library, is a wealth of inspiration.