Located in NW New Mexico along the San Juan River, the project is surrounded by beautiful natural vistas and a wealth of cultural and historical riches, including numerous extraordinary ancient Anasazi sites and the Bisti Wilderness. There is no shortage of romantic subject matter from which to derive architectural influence, but unmitigated historic reference was resisted. Rather, the design attempts to juxtapose two contrasting philosophies, while architecturally satisfying the essential functional requirements of the Fire Department: “modernism’s forever young ideal” attempts to resist the rude effects of nature, but eventually “buildings do age, and that they can do so gracefully.”
In December of 2008, the weathered steel architecture was one of six projects to be honored with an American Institute of Architects Design Award. In 2009 it received the NM-AGC (Associated General Contractors of America) – Best Building Award and the 2009 Fire Chief Station Style – Silver Award.
