A Place for Observation
Program: Observation Tower and Residence
Site: Pecos National Park, Pecos, NM
With: Kent Spreckelmeyer
An observation tower for a historically significant structure and site. The purpose is to provide a place to observe the site from a significant height and to provide a living space for the family of the superintendent of the site.
Throughout the American Southwest, a number of sites exist that exemplify the architectural and cultural traditions of the indigenous inhabitants of the land. Most Americans are familiar with Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon, although these represent only a small portion of the sites that exist in national parks and forests, on Native American reservations, and on private lands. Many of these sites are in danger of deterioration or destruction by wind and water erosion and the overuse by tourists. This program is designed to provide a structure to allow tourists to view the site from a distance and house a park superintendent’s family.
The tower uses masonry and concrete as the primary structural element for the tower. It explores the nature of this building material to contrast and complement the more traditional techniques of heavy timber framing and adobe bearing walls. This project uses concrete both sensitively and provocatively as a means of practical enclosure and aesthetic expression.
