MetroABQ Blog

The MetroABQ has some amazing architecture! We've all passed architect Bart Prince's "Spaceship House" in the Nob Hill Neighborhood, for example, & his studio next door--daily tourist busses stop there...

Besides these almost over-the-top structures, we're fortunate here to have great architecture in small, often out-of-the-way places. Searching for & finding interesting places across the city can be a lot of fun.

On the West Side along the Rio Grande near Montaño Blvd, sits a small discreet community of all adobe townhomes. Ninety-six living units, generally in pods of four, are surrounded by five acres of tended gardens & green spaces. It was designed by architect Antoine Predock & is called La Luz. You may have already seen the architect's work if you've driven on Central Ave/Route 66 by the University of New Mexico & passed the Modernist-styled George Pearl Hall.

Directly above is a scene from Arco Court, a cul-de-sac that ends at 40 acres of Open Space adjacent to the Rio Grande Bosque. Far above is the entry to Arco Court NW, a beautiful example of an architecturally interesting structure & an extremely comfortable dwelling. The Mid-Century Modern concept was an attempt to integrate the home into the landscape. There are two large courtyards, one on each side of the home for air-flow when the doors are open.

Below are some images from 5 Arco Ct NW: looking across the residence from one courtyard to another, from the dining room to the north courtyard, & one of many view scenes.