CULTURAL CENTER

FINAL-AAANM-Program-1-2CulturalCenter

HISTORY

In December 2007 AAANM initiated a community wide effort towards building an Asian American Cultural Center. Initial structure and design estimates based on community needs are about 21,000 – 22,000 sq.ft. building at an estimated present-day cost of $7.8 million.
In 2008 $69,000 was appropriated by the Sate Legislature for the Cultural Center. Sponsors included Senators Cisco McSorley and Shannon Robinson; Representatives Al Park and Sheryl Williams-Stapleton. In 2008 Senator Tim Keller reallocated $60,000 for the Center as well.
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.  

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

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.  

THE SITE  

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.

THE BUILDING  

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.

THE FLOOR PLAN 

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