Architecture and Planning ETDs

Publication Date

5-25-1971

Abstract

Mountain recreation development, the subject of this thesis study, involves a very wide field of research. To justify the necessity for new recreation facilities, the areas of leisure and recreation were investigated. European architects were consulted on problems of con­struction. In addition, reports on the Northern New Mexico area in general and reports on recreation developments were studied. All the material was evaluated, and the important facts found their place in the thesis.

The study area - Twining, New Mexico - is located in Northern New Mexico about fifteen miles from Taos, in the Carson National Forest.

The area at present has excellent skiing, has room for expansion, and is not yet affected by rampant pollution. With the addition of summer recreation facilities, the addition of new ski trails, some commercial businesses, and a mass transit system linking it with other nearby ski areas, a thriving and planned development can occur.

The Dashaveyor mass transit system is proposed for use in two separate locations at Twining. System A would connect the lower area, which is partially developed at present to the upper area. Kachina Basin, the proposed site of new ski trails in Taos Ski Valley. System B would cross over the mountains from Twining to Red River, another skiing recreation area. The Dashaveyor system is extremely versatile and pollution free. Although more expensive than a highway, the benefits vary from being operable 365 days a year in any weather to the saving of acres of trees and mountain vegetation and the providing of year round jobs for the unskilled laborers in the area. With the estimated number of tourists coming into the area, the Dashaveyor is economically feasible.

Investigation into the use of solar energy as a source of power in the community is studied, as well as types of building materials that are most effective for use in the rugged mountain weather. No one building material is specifically recommended; rather, the good and bad points of numerous materials are mentioned. This allows an individual, using the thesis as a source of information, to evaluate the material on the basis of his particular problem that needs solving.

The last two chapters deal with the actual plan development of Twining. Factors such as sun orientation, slope, natural drainage, vegetation, soils, and sewer· and water systems are a few of the physical characteristics that were considered in formulating the land use plan. A modified cost-benefit analysis was used to choose between four alter­nate land use plans.

The master plan is the final culmination of all the research and planning. Twining is to become a self-sufficient community. It will not be dependent on recreation for its economic stability. Plans include commercial businesses convention facilities, community services, and light industry to supplement year round use as a recreation area. The development of these facilities is tentatively scheduled on a Three Phase time schedule, ending in 1990.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Architecture

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Architecture and Planning

First Committee Member (Chair)

Michel Louis Roger Pillet

Second Committee Member

Don Paul Schlegel

Third Committee Member

Anthony Constantine Antoniades

Fourth Committee Member

Harold Raymond Benson Jr

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