QUINTA MAZATLAN ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
Client:  McAllen Parks and Recreation
Program:  An interactive learning center for an existing environmental and cultural institution on an historic estate featuring one of the oldest adobe residences in South Texas.

Smart Design Elements:
• The Welcome Hearth:  an architectural element to focus the outdoor activities around a communal barbeque which addresses the historical mansion in both material and style
• Outdoor learning spaces directly connected to enclosed learning spaces via roll-up doors.
• Solar collector on secondary structure to power building
• Traditional entry doors abstracted to Quinta Mazatlan vernacular
• Exterior “porch” for gathering and orientation space
• Pipe and post sunshading to create shadow and pattern as well as a symbolic awning