CREJ

September 2019 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \ 33 Delivering SMALL TOWN ETHICS BIG CITY SOPHISTICATION AND NATIONAL ACCLAIM since 1962. COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER - TOWNOFWINDSOR, COLORADO innovative construction assembly allowed for rapid on-site construction (the project was erected in eight days) and an ar- chitecture that becomes a part of the surrounding landscape. The Montezuma County Courthouse designed by Hum- phries Poli Architects in collaboration with Roth+Sheppard Architects draws it reference from Puebloan structures re- cessed into the cliffs of nearby Mesa Verde. The courthouse is elongated along an east/west axis to reduce energy costs and to provide views to the Ute and San Juan Mountains. A significant overhang on the south façade shades the clere- story from direct summer sun allowing daylight to pene- trate courtrooms. The solidity of massing and repetition of punched openings in the wall below the overhang are deriv- ative of the dwellings within Mesa Verde, where narrow ver- tically oriented apertures provided security and controlled daylight. It is somewhat ironic that a major new mixed-use build- ing in Denver called the Coloradoan was designed by an ar- chitect from Portland. The late John Anderson, FAIA, often reminded us as a profession that, “We must be worthy ances- tors to those who follow us.” This is a critically important di- rective to Colorado architects just now beginning their prac- tice must have this notion embedded in their work. It is our responsibility to continue the notions espoused by architects the likes of Harry Teague. As the future of architecture in Colorado evolves in re- sponse to the tremendous growth of our state, we should de- sign wildly and creatively. However, we must pride ourselves to focus on our sensitivity to this sense of place and to our moral responsibility to successfully mesh this sense of place into coherent and innovative design solutions appropriate to Colorado. There should be no more buildings yodeling in our mountain towns, no more baroque stucco details in our cities, and no more whale tails floating to the surface of our landscape. We must all be worthy ancestors and protect this sense of place we know as Colorado. \\ DHumphries@RATIOdesign.com ELEMENTS Colorado Architecture “Backcountry privies”