The project has gained momentum and support in the following ways:
Site Review: Current efforts are focused on a site in the International District, at the northwest corner of Central and Louisiana on the State Fair Grounds in Albuquerque.
Fund Development: Co-Chairs are handling the various fund development efforts, including the capital campaign. The “Autumn Moon Golf Tournament” for the Fall of 2010 is already in progress.
Design and Architecture: Co-Chairs have published a conceptual plan and design based on community input.
Sustainability: Committee Chair will lead plans for sustainability, community engagement and continuous enhancement of the
AACC.
C O N C E P T U A L D E S I G N
Asia represents many nationalities with unique cultures. It presents a challenge to represent all these unique cultures in the
design and architecture of the AACC. While the design and architecture is currently in its conceptual form, the intent and
purpose of the AACC is to promote the social and economic growth in the International District and serve all communities of
New Mexico.
Based on community feedback, the design concept is intended to be:
warm & inviting create a strong presence at the corner of Louisiana & Central incorporate sustainable design features with careful selection of environmentally friendly materials. Asian communities in United States took “sail” several decades ago. Today they form a very important part of the overall population. The building’s architecture is designed to be symbolic of this journey – the sails create large day lit volumes and spaces of the Center.
T H E S I T E:
Currently the vision is a site in or near the International District, at the northwest corner of Central and Louisiana on the
State Fair grounds. The AACC will complement the State Fair ground that already houses the African American and the
Native American Cultural Centers.
T H E B U I L D I N G:
The building area is proposed to be 21,000 to 22,000 square feet. The building will be “Modern” in lieu of stylization to any
one of the Asian communities. Exterior façade incorporates steel panel expression with concrete on higher masses tied
together by the glass of the main lobby that represents the sails of a ship.
Exterior façade is also proposed to allow display of Asian art and exhibits. An amphitheater to the northeast corner will serve for outdoor performances and events. The scale of the building should promote a very strong street presence along one of the major avenues in Albuquerque.
T H E F L O O R P L A N:
The main functions of the Center – Multipurpose Room, Museum, Library & Administration are organized around the central
lobby. The design creates a focal axis by means of a water feature as an “element of life” that leads people from the parking
through the main entrance and into the heart of the facility with the Theatre providing the anchor at the end. Facilities
being planned are:
. Arts/Crafts/Education
. Kitchen
. Multipurpose
. Administration
. Museum / Curio shop
. Library
. Main Lobby
. Theater
. Amphitheater