genius loci

The New Mexico chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, NMASLA, recently partook in their annual Q4 event. This years event was a field trip to El Camino Real International Heritage Center followed by a guided tour of the Bosque del Apache NWR and ending with a nice dinner at Socorro Springs Brewery.

El Camino Real International Heritage Center was designed by Bill Sabatini of Dekker/Perich/Sabatini. This building is a unique piece of New Mexico architecture, its modern construction pleasantly juxtaposes the historic context of the site and its contents. Long and narrow it suggests a journey to a distant place and strategically framed views install a sense of a scale. Rarely do you see such consideration for site, in relation to building placement, but here the thoughtfulness is evident.

I really enjoyed this place, the structure and surrounding landscape are inspiring. I also learned a lot about the Camino Real, now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our next stop the Bosque del Apache is best known for the festival of cranes, a once a year (this year Nov. 16th – 21st) celebration of the  thousands of Sandhill Cranes which migrate to the area this time of year. Our visit was a little too early to see the cranes in their full glory, but there were still a few birds around.

Official bird counts -November 11, 2010
Ducks 23,557
Canada Geese 325
Light Geese 19,850
Sandhill Cranes 2,491
Bald and Golden Eagles 1
Swans 0
American White Pelicans 0
American Coot 81
Marsh and Water Birds 17
Shorebirds 16
Gulls and Terns 105
Hawks and Owls 10

Thanks to all who came along and I can’t wait till next years trip!

Here are some more photos, enjoy.