The SkyRoom presents oasis for relaxation, contemplation, and gathering while embodying a spirit of New Mexico. It embraces the surrounding mesas and escarpments and references the Zia Symbol by subtly tracing these lines on the ground through light and shadow. Its bicylindrical intersection is a latent interpretation of the four cardinal points and navigates the precipice between the south and north--the result of a subtractive intersection of a large shed roofed structure with two cylindrical volumes creating a surprising, albeit Euclidean ruled surface.
Having a love of drawing as the “unfolding” of an architecture, like a dress on a large table, the drawings and models were laid flat to “show” how to envelope the steel cladding around its structural frame. This time-tested method for sharing 3D information as 2D, a verbal story, captures the imagination of the cathedral builders to do what others have not done before. At night, the SkyRoom emanates light through the diaphanous pores or can be lit from underneath. This dual condition as lantern and sheltered lighting allows for the architecture to disappear or appear at night applying necessary drama for events held beneath.
Materials reference the earthen coloration and tones. Pre-treated perforated steel allows the pavilion to act like a sound box and permits New Mexico winds to sweep through the structure. The SkyRoom is a durable, long lasting, unencumbered object that will age and weather with the landscape as it embraces the dusting of the desert dirt upon its surface. The SkyRoom not only stands as a geometric expression of form, but also one of Placemaking and Community engagement.