Cultural landmark

A new theatre and fine arts centre capturing the spirit of a Texas-Mexico cultural synergy might be expected to have the odd archway, or gleaming stucco facade. But when the designer seeks to embody a new wave of cultural harmony and positivity, a very different set of architectural values can result.

Architectural firm Kell Mue±oz Architects undertook the design of the Edcouch-Elsa Fine Arts Center in just such a spirit of contemporary interpretation. Executive principal Henry Mue±oz and principal in charge John Kell explain the reasoning behind this bold addition to Edcouch's generally understated skyline.

"The brief, from the Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District, was to create a standout centre for dance, song, drama and artistic education all on a very tight budget. The centre was to be a cultural landmark capturing the spirit and pride of Mestizo, a term that's come to symbolise a merging of Mexican-US cultures over generations," says Mue±oz. "Much research went into capturing the spirit of the impoverished, agricultural Edcouch area and the predominating Mestizo culture. We were impressed by the profusion of farm machinery and by the number of automobile shops along the highways of this flat, arid land."

These utilitarian structures were often designed with a garage in the middle, mechanical service areas to the rear and a large shading structure over the front entry. John Kell says these garages, with their simple, bold forms and international-modernist feel, were the direct inspiration for the Edcouch-Elsa Fine Arts Center.

"The Center's glass-walled foyer echoes a garage's forecourt, the auditorium proper can be seen as the actual garage, where the work is carried out, while the tallest part of the structure, the backstage area with its dressing rooms and classrooms, is a little like the machine workshops at the rear of the garage."

To ensure a prominent position in the landscape, the centre was built on raised ground, which in this area means it can be seen from miles around.

"Other cultural emphases are incorporated into the design, too," says Mue±oz. "The colourful, 91m-long mural that adorns the auditorium is a graphic rendering of the soundwaves of a local corrido, or folk song. The vibrant yellow exteriors refer to the name of the song, The Yellow Machine, and the colours of the region's wildly popular local football team."

The Edcouch-Elsa Fine Arts Center is built largely in premanufactured metal sidings, again taking a cue from the area's ubiquitous garages. This choice of material, and the building's simple construction lines, played a large part in keeping the costs down.

Kell says one of the most important aspects of the project was the spirit in which it was constructed.

"Several subcontractors and the main players gave generously of their time and resources to make this project happen," says Kell. "The design for the vivid, giant mural, for example, was donated.

"The modernist look of the Center reflects and symbolises a Tex-Mex cultural vanguard. To this end, guests walk right through the mural in the foyer interior as they enter the auditorium proper."

Story by: Charles Moxham