Overview

The University is located in Albuquerque in the center of the state along the historic and spectacular Rio Grande River valley. Albuquerque/Santa Fe comprises the largest metropolitan area in New Mexico with a population of about 700,000. The UNM campus is in the heart of the city and includes more than 150 buildings on 600 acres. The unique Spanish - Pueblo Revival style of the campus was established in 1933 when John Gaw Meem became the University Architect. Meem also designed many of the now historic buildings that form the splendid character of the campus and its interconnected series of resplendent terraces, courtyards, plazas and other open spaces. Since that time, the campus has maintained the original style as reflected in the numerous modern buildings built on the campus.

Of particular merit and note is the recently completed Pearl Hall, a 110,000 S.F. facility designed by the internationally acclaimed architect, Antoine Predock, FAIA. The iconic and landmark structure serves as the gateway to the UNM main campus as well as the home of the School of Architecture and Planning.

UNM SA+P Virtual Studio Tour

Unique Assets + Reasons for Attending

In addition to having one of the finest facilities for the study of design and planning in North America, there are numerous reasons that graduate and undergraduate students select the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of New Mexico for their academic studies. Following are ten of the most frequent comments students tell me:

1. The individual expertise, national reputation, and quality of the faculty
2. The extraordinary physical environment of New Mexico and beauty of the historic UNM campus
3. The favorable and extremely competitive tuition for both in-state and non-resident students -- as well as the opportunities for additional financial aid and competitive scholarships.
4. The high regard that firms and employers have for graduates of this School.
5. The opportunities for student self-direction and specialization, linked with the predominance of small seminar and studio courses of very favorable student/faculty ratios.
6. The richness of the cultural heritage and diversity of the region, shaped by a continuous tradition of resident Native Americans and over four centuries of European settlement along the Rio Grande River valley.
7. The state of New Mexico, its uniquely situated capital and world-class tourist destination of Santa Fe, and the dynamic Albuquerque metropolitan area -- all of which serve as the immediate geographical resource and laboratory of the School.
8. Opportunities for international exchanges and study abroad
9. The close and supportive environment and relationship of faculty and other students, including opportunities for research and teaching assistantships
10. The dramatic scenic quality of the vast and magnificent landscapes of the desert Southwest and in this "Land of Enchantment," coupled with a mild and invigorating climate that is conducive to a broad range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

The School enjoys the broad support and involvement of internationally famous planners, theorists, and architects such as the iconic Bart Prince and alumnus Antoine Predock, whose professional offices are also located in Albuquerque. With major endowments funded by the estates of JB Jackson, George Pearl, the family of John Gaw Meem, as well as other benefactors, the School is able to enhance the program requirements with frequent visitors, guest critics, and elective course opportunities.

Context + Brief History

The School of Architecture and Planning is one of nine schools/colleges of the University of New Mexico, maintaining strong historic ties with both the College of Engineering and the College of Fine Arts. There are currently about 350 students in the School; comprised of 160 undergraduate students who have been formally admitted to either the professional program in architecture (BA in Architecture) or the BA in Environmental Planning & Design degree program, 100 architecture graduate students, 70 graduate planning program students, and 60 Master of Landscape Architecture program students.

In 1975 the School of Architecture and Planning was designated as a quasi-autonomous professional school - along with the Schools of Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Nursing. The first professional degree in Architecture was accredited in 1967 and the Master of Architecture program received accreditation in 1968. The School retains its close ties to engineering and fine arts. The Community and Regional Planning program offers dual degree programs with Latin American Studies, Public Administration, and Public Health. The School’s Planning program is one of the founding academic units in the interdisciplinary Master of Water Resources Administration degree and plays an active role in community-based issues in the city. Architectural design studios have a long and distinguished history in the design and development of neighborhoods and local organizations in the metropolitan region and state.

Service to the Community

The School’s Design and Planning Assistance Center celebrates its 40th year of service-learning projects and service in 2009. DPAC has worked with over 400 New Mexico communities during its history. Members of the faculty are actively involved with public agencies, NGOs, state licensing boards and participation and leadership in the planning, architecture, and landscape architecture professional associations. The School is well known for its connections to the region and its understanding of the importance of working with the state on key issues of design and development, including critical issues of sustainability and planning/design of healthy communities. Well respected throughout the state, the School has a strong reputation for teaching and providing professional insight into the ways that history, culture, and the physical environment shape (and are shaped) in the region.