Architect Spotlight
The MetroABQ always impresses me, in large and small ways. A friend signed me up for one of the events in the 516 Arts On the Map: Unfolding Albuquerque Art + Design series this month. The ongoing series is an “expansive arts collaboration that celebrates the art of Central New Mexico by over 20 partnering organizations. 516 Arts is one of the leaders of On the Map , along with the ABQ Museum, Harwood Arts Center, Richard Levy Gallery and the City of ABQ Public Art Urban Enhancement Program.” (www.ABQonthemap.com)
The 516 Arts Architecture + Design Studio Tour provided a private tour of some of ABQ’s leading emerging and established architects and designers.
One of the places we were privileged to see was architects Susan Frye and Lee Gamelsky’s residence east of Rio Grande, along the Bosque, above. The home, above, finished in stucco and thin metal cladding that reflects light and heat, is very energy-efficient. In parts of the North Valley, one often sees older corrugated aluminum-inspired structures; the Frye/Gamelsky home clearly takes that to the next level. This Frye/Gamelsky shed, below, has north-facing windows to minimize direct sunlight and heat inside.
The residence, still under construction when I visited, is designed around a central courtyard, below. The steelclad
overhang will provide excellent summer shade, as the sun is at its most northerly arc then.