Hozhoogo Nashaa Dooleel

“May I walk in beauty, harmony and balance with my surroundings”

Navajo Rug Auction, Crownpoint NM

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM / School of Architecture and Planning

Arch 604- Masters Architectural Design III

Professor Mark Childs AIA

Fall 2011

Goals and Building Intentions:

-Create a space to better facilitate the Navajo Rug Auction with better circulation and display area.

-Sustainable design that is sourced from the natural landscape and integrates Navajo design principles considering traditional construction methods. Utilize raw local materials and respond to climate. Utilize a site that shows off the best of Crownpoint. 

-To provide a space that adequately demonstrates the rigor and process of creating a Navajo Rug with the intention of increasing the value of the rugs. 

-A destination point: Create an intriguing and unique building design that will bring more attention, appreciation, and curiosity to the Navajo Rug Auction Event. Bring more tourism to Crownpoint to promote economic development

-Design a “sense of place” that represents the Navajo culture and traditions. A place for the community to learn and grow, keep their culture and the arts alive.  With the ability to maintain the facility through a learning environment 

Climate Concerns:

Crownpoint NM is a high, semiarid region located in Mckinley County at 6,982 ft elevation. Climatic Design Priorities for Region: 

1) Keep the heat in and the cold temperatures out during the winter

2) Let the winter sun in 

3) Protect from the cold winter winds ( South, Southwest)

4) Use thermal mass to flatten day-to-night temperature swings in the summer

(Lechner, “Heating, Cooling, Lighting”)