UNM CORONADO HALL RENOVATION

UNM Coronado Hall is a historic dormitory that lies on the eastern side of the University of New Mexico Campus in Albuquerque. The dormitory, constructed in 1959, has become a distinguishable landmark on campus due to its design and historic importance. Throughout the years, Coronado Hall has undergone a number of renovations to improve the living conditions of students and residents. A new renovation has recently been approved by the university to improve the dorm’s main entry, main lobby, and living spaces which will create a new space for students to experience while also preserving one of the university’s historic landmarks.

M+Y RECOGNIZED IN ARCHDAILY

When visiting any city around the world, an architect may search for the most interesting projects in that location by visiting the source, ArchDaily. And now, our town's projects have been featured on this platform, too. The SkyRoom has been recognized as a must-visit project in this exciting location, where lots of great architecture can be found.

MICHAEL HILL AT NMSU, CSDAL!

At McClain + Yu, we are proud of our team's collective expertise in designing and managing higher education projects. Mike Hill served as the Project Architect and Project Manager for CSDAL, and was fully involved in every aspect of this significant undertaking. His extensive involvement in this project, along with his contributions to others, has played a crucial role in shaping our office's success in managing institutional projects over the years. In the late 90s, New Mexico State University embarked on a mission to develop a state-of-the-art facility to accommodate specialized laboratories and administrative spaces for the Center for the Sustainable Development of Arid Lands (CSDAL). The university recognized that designing a facility that could meet the center's unique needs was an important part of the university's mission. NMSU enlisted the expertise of Mike Hill, in collaboration with Van Gilbert and Shepley & Bulfinch architectural offices, to help bring the vision to life.

The team of architects helped to create a comprehensive scheme, complete with conceptual ideas, drawings, and renders, that would secure the necessary funding for the project. The efforts successfully acquired legislative funding approval and eventual completion of the project in 2001. The College of Agriculture is home to the Center for the Sustainable Development of Arid Lands (CSDAL), a facility that spans 147,000 square feet and costs $18 million to construct. This center is specifically built to cater to the complex needs of modern agriculture and is equipped with cutting-edge technology and resources to support research, education, and outreach programs. A significant portion of the facility, 50,000 square feet, has been allotted for laboratory space, making it one of the largest agricultural research facilities in the region. The laboratory is equipped with advanced tools and equipment for plant breeding, soil science, and water management research.

CSDAL is home to numerous departments, including Agronomy and Horticulture, Extension Plant Sciences, USDA/ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Sciences. The facility houses various laboratories, like the Molecular Biology Lab, Weed Insect Biology Lab, Plant Pathology Lab, Integrated Pest Management Lab, High Containment Insect Facility (Quarantine Lab), Anthropod Museum, and GIS and Remote Sensing Lab. The Weed Insect Biology Lab is particularly noteworthy since it has been designed to completely isolate from the external environment.

The building's exterior consists of two main volumes connected by an octagonal rotunda. One wing serves as office and administration areas, while the other accommodates research and laboratory spaces. The grand staircase inside the rotunda highlights the spatial quality of the octagonal volume. The staircase details were meticulously taken care of, with the construction and fabrication progressing in sections, each reviewed by Hill, the Project Architect of CSDAL. The building's three floors are layered, utilizing color, material, and texture to evoke a modernized interpretation of the column structure reminiscent of a base, shaft, and capital. Alternating the fenestration scheme on each level introduces an understanding of the pilaster balustrade order. The building's enduring presence is reflected by the copper-clad cupola on top of the dome, which complements the evolving identity of the campus.

Throughout the years, the architectural style of NMSU has undergone significant transformations, evolving from its original appearance to a more modern design. The CSDAL building was specially crafted to bridge the styles within the NMSU campus. The building nods to the reduced Neoclassical origins of the campus by incorporating a warm, red clay tile for the roof reminiscent of Spanish basilicas. Also, CSDAL pays great attention to the contemporary fenestration scheme, which allows for the interior of the building to be functional as teaching and research spaces. 

The Center for the Sustainable Development of Arid Lands (CSDAL) remains one of the most extensive and technologically advanced facilities on NMSU's campus, serving as a testament to the university's commitment to sustainable development and innovation. With its cutting-edge technology and impressive faculty and researchers, CSDAL is vital in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and advancing our understanding of arid lands.

UNMH CRISIS TRIAGE CENTER

Construction is well underway for the new two story UNM Crisis Triage Center, which will provide improved psychiatric and medical care for New Mexicans. Located next to the existing UNM Psychiatric Center, the new facility will be the result of a joint bid between UNMH and Bernalillo County as part of a group of initiatives to advance available care for mental health in the state. The facility will be fully equipped with a CTC and a PES, offering a much needed resource for all patients. The completion of this project will add to UNMH’s vast mental health services, solidifying their position as New Mexico’s largest community mental healthcare provider in the state.

UNM NEW MEXICO MUTUAL CHAMPIONS TRAINING CENTER GRAND OPENING

UNM Athletics celebrated the grand opening of the UNM New Mexico Mutual Champions Training Center located on the north side of the school’s Tow Diehm facility. This new training facility for UNM Division 1 and Olympic athletes has a total of 11,312 SF of equipment space, providing athletes with a motivating space to train and challenge their physical health and capabilities. The facility will replace a temporary training facility housed in a large tent near the school’s athletic department offices. The new training center features two levels: a 9,774 SF weight-training floor and a 1,538 SF cardio mezzanine that overlooks the main training space. Just beyond lies an expansive view of the UNM Lobos football field and Sandia Mountains. From its roof, Lobos fans have an elevated patio with unobstructed views of the Lobos games. On game days, the Lobos will enter the field through the ceremonial pathway scribed into the New Mexico Mutual Champions Training Center building, fan spirit mounting with lights and music... Go Lobos!

UNM NEW MEXICO MUTUAL CHAMPIONS TRAINING CENTER

UNM Athletics is active in creating the NEW - New Mexico Mutual Champions Training Center, a 15,000 SQ. FT. facility for the topic of the arts, athletic training for the LOBOS. This building is located inside the university Stadium, beyond the south end-zone. With construction expected to take 10 months for completion, the facility will extend from the Tow Diehm facility, providing space for all UNM Athletic programs, as well as additional spectator seating above. We are excited to see how the LOBOS will use this space and how it will benefit their athletic training! Go LOBOS!

UNM WELCOME CENTER

Constructed in 1941, this gem on campus was designed by John Gaw Meem. This building initially housed the male dormitory. This soon became extra classrooms, then to transform once again into ROTC building. It will once again be used to house a different use, this time as the official UNM Lobo Welcome Center. The campus has needed a formal campus entrance where new LOBOS can be welcomed with their families. The Welcome Center will host a centralized theater space, presentation and exhibition rooms. There is a formal outdoor patio for functions and gatherings. Parking will be ample. The stories of LOBO nation will be unveiled in the building to all who seek information. The building will embrace its Pueblo Revival tradition with the addition of a modern tectonic approach to renovation and identity for the future LOBO to embrace.

RECENT DESIGN AWARDS

McCLAIN + YU is ecstatic to announce that we are the recipients of FOUR awards in 2022 for our Rio Rancho SkyRoom submission - UNM Jeff Harnar Award, AIA Albuquerque Award, AIA New Mexico Award, and the ACSA Faculty Design Award!

The SkyRoom within Rio Rancho’s Campus Park embodies the spirit of New Mexico with its subtle nod to the the Zia symbol and the 4 cardinal points with manipulation of light and shadow. Several other points of influence contributed to the SkyRoom design. First, the project needed to serve as the centerpiece within the newly developed Campus Park - Turfgrass lawn panels now spill out of the main opening of the SkyRoom offering visitors a cool, shady place to enjoy a picnics/concerts/fireworks. Second, we wanted the pavilion to provide a frame for a stone-lined amphitheater and traverse 30 feet of topographical change. Third, the SkyRoom was conceived as a geometrical construct – the result of a subtractive intersection of a large shed roofed structure with two cylindrical volumes.  The cylinders, one small, one large, intersect in the space, creating a surprising, albeit Euclidean ruled surface. Finally, the SkyRoom needed to serve as a performance space with unique acoustics, to create areas with a high degree of focus for sound along with other areas which diffuse sound.

We are excited to share with you some images of our SkyRoom!

UNMH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS CENTER GROUND BREAKING

M+Y celebrated the Ground Breaking of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center with UNMH, Bernalillo County, HB Construction, and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham! Congratulations to all project advocates for moving this important project forward!

UNMH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS CENTER

Work is now underway on the University of New Mexico North Campus to provide a Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC). M+Y is the lead design firm for the project, consulting with Davis Group. The conception, funding, and management of this facility is part of a collaborative effort between Bernalillo County and UNMH. Located next to the existing University Psychiatric Center at UNM North Campus, the facility will help Bernalillo County and UNMH fulfill their goal of providing compassionate, respectful, and round-the-clock care to serve a vastly underrepresented population in a dignified setting. 

The project’s initial phase calls for the demolition of two existing buildings located at 2600 Marble Avenue, as well as the redevelopment of the northern half of the existing patient parking lot. Phase 2 will encompass construction of the new two-story Behavioral Health Crisis Center and remaining site.

The new Behavioral Health Crisis Center includes three distinct programs that increase critical services — Crisis Triage Center, Psychiatric Emergency Services, and a Peer Living Room—into one building footprint. 

1. Crisis Triage Center (CTC): New service providing medium-acuity crisis stabilization services offering 16 single-patient bedrooms with private facilities to clients on a voluntary basis for up to 14 days.

2. Peer-Based “Living Room” (PLR) Model: New service providing low-acuity walk-in and/or referral service in a residential environment accessed by a separate public entrance and lobby to avoid merging lower acuity with higher acuity functions. This program includes a Respite Area, Living Room Space, Nourishment Area and Client Work Rooms.

3. Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES): Expands the existing program located at the University Psychiatric Center to this new facility to better serve clients who present acute psychiatric care levels and are identified as at risk to self and/or others. The existing program includes ten (10) patient rooms with controlled separation for pediatric and adult census. In addition, there is a separate restraint suite with two rooms near the dedicated vehicular sally port entrance for dedicated intake entrance for first responders.

Special daylighting, circulation, safety, and ligature resistance elements are central to the concept. The project is set to meet LEED Silver certification through material selection, energy/resource conservation, and demolition/construction waste management efforts. 

HB Construction mobilized on site in July, setting up safety perimeter fencing, wayfinding signage, and temporary striping that will allow surrounding facility users to navigate around construction safely. As construction is bordered by over ten occupied medical and research facilities, HB and UNMH have collaborated to establish isolation and public safety measures for each phase of construction.

WE'VE MOVED!

We are moving! But will still be located in the Southeast Heights of Albuquerque, true to District 6! We are happily located near Sandia National Labs, Kirtland Airforce Base, and the Sunport. We look forward to seeing you in our new location: 2010 Ridgecrest Dr SE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108.

UNM CLARK HALL

Clark Hall was built in 1951, home to the discipline of Chemistry, on the campus of the University of New Mexico. The office of Meem, Zehner, Holien and Associates created this composed and stately building. The placement and site situation of the building represented a significant development of the growing campus. With its large paned windows and expansive classrooms, tall spaces made in concrete, the students of chemistry were ensured good daylight with lots of fresh air and beautiful views surrounding their building. With time, the studies and research needs of chemistry overwhelm this early building scheme. Therefore, a complete renovation of the interior and redress of the main entry, in keeping with its evolving disciplinary importance on campus, were needed. M+Y embarked on a lively discourse of architectural relevance and importance of representation to places of higher learning and research. We are excited to bring our reverence for the architectural structure and framework of John Gaw Meem instituted into the campus of UNM.

RENOVATION AT QUINCY HOUSE

The common 1950’s bungalow (900 SF) has been outfitted with a new kitchen, additional bathrooms and bedroom, and a much needed larger living room. The original house footprint, reflecting the needs of a 1950’s family, required an update of powerful lighting, data, wifi, sound, new kitchen amenities, more space in general for growing kids and dogs. The new addition of spaces wrap around the original house, using the elevation drop - to create taller rooms with lots of natural light. Therefore, the hill part of NOB HILL is used to build voluminous rooms while still retaining the scale of the neighborhood.

UNM CLARK HALL RENOVATION

The beloved John Gaw Meem Clark Hall, known as the Chemistry building, is experiencing a complete renovation of its laboratory facilities, student classrooms and auditorium. The original concrete structure revealed here, articulates the 1950’s era framework and slab condition. The coordination of the structure with the very large fenestration system for its time, is a classic expression of structural elegance in a large open space. The renovation work seeks to preserve its proportional clarity and incorporate today’s technical functionality.

METROPOLIS MAGAZINE FEATURES UNM SMITH PLAZA!

We are super excited to receive this national attention with our design collaborators: SURFACEdesign and MRWM Landscape Architects. This recognition not only affirms the strength of the design for our beloved UNM, but confirms our commonly held values in the strength of COLLABORATION. We are honored with this moment in the spotlight! We look forward to more opportunities to elevate and uplift the spaces in New Mexico. Our commonly held belief in materiality and its enduring qualities are investments into our culture, place and labor. We seek to incorporate our local traditions with contemporary expressions of architecture.

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

SMITH PLAZA WINS BRICK DESIGN AWARD! →

Thank you Brick Industry Association for this design award! M+Y with Landscape Architects MRWM, and SURFACE DESIGN practice the words of our geist teachers:

“Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins.”- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

“Even a brick wants to be something. A brick wants to be something. It aspires. Even a common, ordinary brick... wants to be something more than it is. It wants to be something better than it is.” - Louis Kahn

The humble bricks come together to repeat its own measure, its patterns, with the ever presence to adjust its position. These movements in material bring beauty and elegance to textured space of the outside. The brick is the same but different in its ability to modulate the unit for its fullest expression. The brick is common, but rich and impressive by the artful hand/mind of the craftsperson! The brick aspires to be more, just as all architectural projects aspire to be more. It is our designed intention to take common materials, common circumstances and heighten the architectural potential for all buildings!

CHANGE

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” ― Leo Tolstoy

Well, we try to do both. In that spirit, we experienced change these weeks in so many ways. We settled into a new reality, if not for the moment perhaps longer, of caution and care for ourselves and our clients over COVID 19. Our world has been made coincidentally larger and overwhelmingly connected AND smaller and forever precious. We are not only our own stewards of health but of the health of others. The compounded crises of our country is an opportunity to reflect upon our individual and collective roles in making the community we desire to see. We see that taking care of ourselves means taking care of and being responsible to our greater selves - our country. Until we see us as the US, we can not confidently move forward. All of us matter and matter greatly. Originally this note was to highlight that we have moved and it is time to be grateful and reflective of all that is ongoing, we are humbled that this is time where we require healing together and create action together to lift up the better parts of ourselves. (Edit: 06.01.2020)

We finally moved our office this last week to 2010 RIDGECREST DR. SE (across the street). We practice fastidiously the values of social distancing but bring our projects and our community closer to us in content, attention and focus. We are constantly seeking change to create a better work environment, better project environment. We anxiously await the change in our culture and community that better leads us to create the change we wish to see in ourselves.

UNM CORONADO RENOVATION PHASE 2

Coronado Hall has needed some attention from many years of beloved use. The student Lobos have the opportunities to enjoy the new facilities in the upcoming academic year! We are proud of UNM for their leadership in addressing the issues of washrooms, shower facilities allowing for more privacy and individuality while maintaining everyone’s dignity in student dorm life! @CoronadoHall #GoLobos

NEW POSITIONS @McCLAIN+YU!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are expanding our team.

Position: Intern Architect/Interested Educator

McClain + Yu Architecture & Design is seeking a full-time intern architect with interests in architectural education and developing architectural skills in project delivery to join our lively team at the office and to work with principal in the capacity of teaching at the University. Revit knowledge is desirable though not req'd. Educational teaching experience is desirable though not req'd. Pay commensurate with experience. Please submit cover letter (Letter of interest in the office and interest in architectural education), resume, writing sample and abbreviated portfolio of experience. Contact: info@mcclain-yu.com

Position: Architect/Intern Architect (5 + yrs experience)

Are you ready for a change? Ready for an experience that counts? Ready to move your career forward? Ready to learn and contribute on an accelerated level? McClain + Yu Architecture & Design is seeking a full-time architect or intern architect with 3-5 yrs experience to join our lively team. Revit knowledge is desirable though not req'd. Pay commensurate with experience. Please submit cover letter, resume and abbreviated portfolio of experience. Contact: info@mcclain-yu.com

LANTERNS OF STEEL...

Pascetti Steel of Albuquerque has made a video via drone of the Lantern canopies on Smith Plaza.