Some of the most appealing attributes of Santa Fe style are its simplicity of form, and freedom from the tyranny of straight lines and absolute symmetry of walls, windows, or facades.  However, it is not uncommon in New Mexico to have civic  legislation in place which compels builders and residents to conform to design guidelines.  An ordinance passed in 1957 specified design guidelines applicable to all buildings within the city limits of Santa Fe.  These design guidelines have defended Santa Fe's unique architectural and visual coherence.  Members of the Taos Society of Artists (TSA) influenced the visual image of Taos in the 1912-1927 period by example rather than by enforcement.  Prominent members of the TSA (E.L. Blumenschein, O. Berminghaus, J. Sharp et.al.) enlarged their summer studios into architectural prototypes of Santa Fe style: the remaking of Taos in Santa Fe style was assured.  Meticulous attention to architectural authenticity and visual coherence of townscape is illustrated in this housing unit in Taos. The general plan is based on the fortified placita-centered house of the Spanish Colonial/Mexican period.  The rooms are located in a rough square around a placita, a small interior courtyard.  Rooms open onto the placita sheltered by long portales. Parapet openings over the placita replicate the defensible positions of fortified haciendas, their contemporary function openings for canales.  Fireplace flues are disguised in adobe surrounds appearing as buttresses; the gas flues are not so easily disguised.  The undulating uneven external wall is personalized with decorative tile and a heavy wooden door reminiscent of the fortified zaguan doors of the haciendas of the region. 

Next Image > >