UNM Fresh Box Plaza
This project created a fresh student plaza surrounding the University of New Mexico’s newest food service location. Surrounding the Fresh Box cafe, a shipping container building, the new plaza addressed existing non-ADA compliant site conditions while creating an updated gathering space for the UNM campus and specifically for the university population in the science and engineering schools. Using planters and seat walls to retain grade and create a sense of enclosure, the area was leveled to provide a flat space for the building and accessible entry points at two sides.
Groundwork Studio worked with UNM, their food service vendor Chartwells and the ASUNM to design a flexible space that addressed food service and student recreational needs. The design also preserved a large existing tree at the plaza’s north end. Grades surrounding the tree were maintained while additional landscape space was added to provide the tree with a healthier environment. Site furnishings including benches, bike racks, picnic tables and litter/recycling receptacles were all selected for aesthetic alignment with the new cafe. UNM standards were also included in the design. A customized 2.5’ X 5’ concrete control joint pattern was used to create the feeling of entering a separate space without the added maintenance requirements or pavers. Additionally, chamfered ‘notches’ and expansion joints were cast into the walls to create integrated skate deterrents that supported the overall design aesthetic.
Suzanne Mortier, RLA ASLA, Retired UNM Landscape Architect
- 11,220 sf
- Site Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Repurposed shipping container
- Site furnishings
News
Architects at Work
As we celebrate the back-to-school season, we want to commemorate the dedicated individuals who have grown with FBT, evolving from intern architects into leaders of our education studios. Through their unique experiences, these talented individuals have faced diverse challenges, honed their skills and gained invaluable insights that have shaped their careers and how we define […]
Designing Educational Spaces
At FBT Architects, the design of educational spaces goes beyond creating functional buildings; it’s about shaping environments that inspire and support learning at every stage. Whether the focus is on K-12 schools or higher education institutions, commitment to innovation and flexibility is unwavering. Susan Johnson, Higher Education Principal, and Kelly Jernigan, Director of the Colorado […]
Making Big Moves & Building a Brighter Future
Albuquerque The Magazine Architects Profile Feature In 1973, a small group of hungry architects came together with a vision to put pencil to draft paper and transform the burgeoning city of Albuquerque—one innovative design idea at a time. They never could have imagined 50 years later, their scrappy little architecture firm (yes, it was FBT […]
Employee Spotlight With Antonio Vigil
Antonio’s career journey has evolved through continual exploration. After ten years at a smaller firm focused on private development, he transitioned to FBT, where he has gained experience with large-scale, public-sector projects and collaborating with larger teams. This move has been crucial in Antonio’s growth as an architect, equipping him with the skills to create […]
Contributing to the Community and Discovering New Perspectives
Back in March, hundreds of inquisitive young minds from across New Mexico gathered for the multi-day Central NM STEM Research Challenge. The participants, which included elementary, middle and high school students, got to show off a STEM-based project they spent months researching. Their tireless efforts poured into small booths filled with tri-folded poster boards displaying […]
Employee Spotlight With Diana Duran
As a newly licensed architect, Diana’s journey with FBT has been marked by her unwavering dedication to excellence and her ability to seamlessly integrate innovative solutions into her work. Her story is a testament to the power of combining personal values with professional aspirations. Growing up, Diana’s family gatherings were always filled with a sense […]
Employee Spotlight With Henry Reitwiesner
Henry’s background on the client side as an educational facilities operator, in-house architect and owner’s representative makes him an invaluable resource for his colleagues in FBT’s Colorado Springs Office. He describes his role at FBT as a mentor. “I provide a perspective as a former client for others to reflect on,” he explains. Henry’s career […]
Groundbreaking for Cibola Loop Multi-Generational Center
The Cibola Loop Multi-Generational Center in northwest Albuquerque, designed by FBT Architects, broke ground on May 21, 2024. This 55,000 sf wellness center will feature fitness amenities including a climbing gym, an elevated indoor running track, a gymnasium and multi-use classrooms. Outdoor amenities will include athletic fields, trails and an amphitheater. Designed to meet the […]
Employee Spotlight With Allie McAlister
As FBT’s Marketing Manager, Allie has a way with communication and organization that stems from years of experience in the field. If she were to describe her role at FBT using a metaphor, it would be “herding sheep,” especially in proposal development. “Putting together a proposal is like putting together a puzzle, but the pieces […]
FBT Breaks Ground on Multiple Projects
The last couple of weeks have been filled with elation, gratitude and excitement as FBT Architects celebrate three groundbreaking ceremonies for projects across the region. These projects, spanning multiple offices and studios, include a wellness center for Taos Pueblo, a middle school for Atlas Prep in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a meeting house for The Twelfth […]