Regents' Policy Manual - Section 2.10: Architectural Style of Campus Buildings and Campus Plan

Adopted Date: 09-12-1996
Amended: 06-12-2012
Amended: 08-22-2024

Applicability

This policy applies to the design of all buildings owned and constructed by the University. All construction and design shall consider the specific programmatic needs of a building and should incorporate unique local history and cultural inspirations from their communities. A building’s design should reflect complementary integration of the fit and function for the activity housed within the structures and deliberate attention to sense of place, reflecting New Mexico’s unique architectural and natural and design aesthetics.

History

The Spanish Pueblo Revival style of architecture on UNM’s central campus was introduced by President Tight in the early 1900s and officially adopted by the Regents after considerable debate. Although the style was later abandoned for a few years, it was reintroduced by Santa Fe architect John Gaw Meem. Mr. Meem, who became the University's first architect in 1933, designed thirty-six structures in this distinctive style, which became known as the Spanish Pueblo Revival style.

 In 1959, with the adoption of the Long-Range Campus Development Plan, the Regents committed to preserving and enhancing the Spanish Pueblo Revival architectural style on the central campus, allowing for some modifications. North and south campuses did not come to be until after 1959. No specific architectural restrictions were imposed for the north and south campuses at that time, but it was hoped that new buildings would have regional character,

It is noted that a variety of architectural styles, at variance with the Regents' earlier commitment, have been utilized on central campus for a number of years. However, this updated policy reaffirms the University's commitment to the regional design tradition on central campus and to its consistent application in building design guidelines as a distinctive feature of the University of New Mexico and a key aspect of its public identity and brand. In addition to Spanish Pueblo Revival, regional architectural styles native to New Mexico, such as Santa Fe and Territorial Revival styles, may be used outside of central campus.

This policy (a) establishes general design standards for University-owned buildings, (b) implements a design review process, and (c) ensures administrative adherence to these standards. The policy affirms that: 1) Spanish Pueblo Revival is the design standard requirement for Central Campus; and 2) Spanish Pueblo Revival, Santa Fe, and Territorial Revival styles are to be the foundation and inspiration for modern regional architecture on other UNM properties.

Policy

Central Campus

It is the policy of the University that all buildings constructed on the central campus (the area bounded by Central, University, Lomas and Girard) be designed in Spanish Pueblo Revival style, unless the Regents specifically excepts a building from the requirements of this policy.

Other Areas (North Campus, South Campus, Branch Campuses, Other)

It is the policy of the University that all buildings constructed outside of the central campus be designed consistently with regional contextualism. Architects designing such a building are encouraged to consider the function of the building, its relationship with the location, the nature of the surrounding buildings, and the history and culture of the area in which the building will be constructed, so that the building thus designed can be a modern, forward-looking structure that maintains a strong sense of place and cultural identity. This includes incorporating Spanish Pueblo Revival, Santa Fe, and Territorial Revival styles while also embracing contemporary regionalism to create modern, forward-looking architecture that maintains a strong sense of place and cultural identity.

Implementation

The President, through the Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, shall ensure the following:

Architectural Design Requirements: The development of a set of architectural design requirements approved by the Board of Regents. These requirements must align with the styles outlined in this Policy and cover key elements such as building exterior elevations, exterior finish materials, and glazing.

Design Review Committee: The establishment of a University Design Review Committee consisting of members with appropriate subject matter expertise on regional contextualism and committed to the foundational principles of Spanish Pueblo Revival, Santa Fe, and Territorial Revival styles. The University Design Review Committee, will establish procedures to review new designs at several key stages of development and the University’s Institutional Support Services Campus Planning Office will provide staff support for its ongoing operations.

Campus Plan Updates: Updates and/or amendments to the campus plan will be submitted for consideration and approval by the Board of Regents.

References and Cross-References

A copy of the current approved campus plan is on file in the Office of the Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration, and the Institutional Support Services Campus Planning Office.

NMSA 1978, § 21-7-3 (Board of Regents authority relative to care and preservation of University property, and erecting and construction of all buildings necessary for the University’s use)

Regents Policy 2.10.1 (Historical Preservation)
Regents Policy 7.9 (Property Management)
Regents Policy 7.11 (Selection of Architects for UNM Projects)
Regents Policy 7.12 (Approval of Construction Projects)
Regents Policy 7.12.1 (Selection of Contractors for UNM Construction Projects)