Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 10-17-2025

Abstract

The presentation proposed for the NCBDS 41 Conference to be hosted at the School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) Department at the University of New Mexico (UNM) concerns the arduous work in the Historic Preservation and Regionalism (HP+R) Program in this institution. This significant opportunity to present courses in the HP+R Program aims to "exchange and disseminate information and ideas concerning preservation education and its relationship to community engagement and its connections to its historical past." This issue is particularly relevant in the context of the NCBDS 41 Conference, which touches on aspects of the "Pedagogy in Cultural Heritage through Community Engagement and Connections". The presentation will focus on the Community Engagement and Connections practiced in the Historic Preservation and Regionalism Program (HP+R) at the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of New Mexico.

Our region is a treasure trove of unique cultural resources, from our Indigenous past to the influences of Spanish/Mexican cultures and the recent introduction of Anglo culture. One particularly unique aspect is the earth architecture and construction, a millenary tradition in the Southwest US and Northern Mexico. This rich heritage allows us to instill in our students a strong sense of identity and a focus on preserving regional technologies, forming a connection to our cultural architecture heritage. However, using more contemporary materials has threatened these cultural resources. Understanding our historical past and its evolution is crucial for preserving this unique and significant building infrastructure, adapting it to new uses in a fast-paced world, and fostering sustainable community engagement and tradition in our region.

The cyclical maintenance of our cultural building typologies is a necessity. However, the lack of present-day continuous communal maintenance is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed and promoted, particularly among the younger generations. The traditional methodologies of sustenance in our rural communities, including our Indigenous Pueblo urban communities, are deeply ingrained in student knowledge. However, it is essential that students not only learn these methodologies but also develop the ability to apply them in the field. Many HP+R courses introduce the history and evolution of building typologies, with a strong focus on the Passive Solar methods of our ancient Ancestral Puebloan cultures. The documentation courses enable students to continue learning about historical structures and building construction systems, particularly those involving earth structures. We are committed to fostering community engagement among our community members. Courses that assist local and rural communities in seeking funding and assistance while providing them with adaptive reuse reports demonstrate the interdisciplinary students' ability to interact with their past. Students can continue to develop their collaborative skills in several HP+R courses.

Pedagogy in cultural heritage serves as a powerful means of disseminating and promoting our much-needed millennial knowledge in communities. It creates a strong connection between higher learning institutions and our diverse populations, emphasizing the academic community's responsibility in cultural preservation. Regional Heritage and Cultural Resources trigger a unifying sensitivity toward our communal past.

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