(1.5 HSW) Virtual Monthly Luncheon - Excellence in Arid-Adapted Sustainable Design

The new U.S. Land Port of Entry near Columbus, New Mexico is a major replacement facility featuring site-inspired structures and landscape that facilitate smooth passage for thousands of pedestrians, private vehicles, and commercial goods each year. The project has earned LEED Platinum, a 2020 AIA COTE Top Ten Award, and Sustainable SITES Silver Certification. Although the recognition for this project has been national, the design vision and strategies are unique to the climate and landscape of the Chihuahuan desert. The project has also received design awards from AIA New Mexico and the Texas Society of Architects. This presentation will review design strategies, as well as provide background on the unique process for this US General Services Administration Design Excellence project.  Presented by: Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA and David Richter, FAIA with added information from Devendra Contractor, AIA, Sam Sterling, AIA and Roger Schluntz, FAIA.