Territorial Revival architecture
Encyclopedia
Territorial Revival architecture describes the style of architecture
developed in the U.S. state of New Mexico
in the 1930s that incorporated elements of traditional regional building techniques with higher style elements. The style, named after the New Mexico Territory
(1850-1912), was intended to recall the state's Territorial history and was extensively employed for state government buildings in Santa Fe
. The style was encouraged by a State Planning Board proclamation of 1934, which advocated the redesign of the state capitol in "the local Santa Fe type of architecture." Distinguishing features of the style are the use of adobe
construction with low, flat roofs with a sharp brick edging, and sash windows.
Territorial architecture was current in the New Mexico Territory from about 1848 until 1900. The original style was adapted to domestic architecture, typically of one story. Doors and windows sometimes featured pediment
s or decorative trim reminiscent of Greek Revival architecture
. The revival style was applied to much larger buildings and is confined to New Mexico.
The Territorial Revival style continues to be popular in New Mexico into the 21st century, particularly for commercial buildings, small offices and strip malls.
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
developed in the U.S. state of New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
in the 1930s that incorporated elements of traditional regional building techniques with higher style elements. The style, named after the New Mexico Territory
New Mexico Territory
thumb|right|240px|Proposed boundaries for State of New Mexico, 1850The Territory of New Mexico was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from September 9, 1850, until January 6, 1912, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of...
(1850-1912), was intended to recall the state's Territorial history and was extensively employed for state government buildings in Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is the fourth-largest city in the state and is the seat of . Santa Fe had a population of 67,947 in the 2010 census...
. The style was encouraged by a State Planning Board proclamation of 1934, which advocated the redesign of the state capitol in "the local Santa Fe type of architecture." Distinguishing features of the style are the use of adobe
Adobe
Adobe is a natural building material made from sand, clay, water, and some kind of fibrous or organic material , which the builders shape into bricks using frames and dry in the sun. Adobe buildings are similar to cob and mudbrick buildings. Adobe structures are extremely durable, and account for...
construction with low, flat roofs with a sharp brick edging, and sash windows.
Territorial architecture was current in the New Mexico Territory from about 1848 until 1900. The original style was adapted to domestic architecture, typically of one story. Doors and windows sometimes featured pediment
Pediment
A pediment is a classical architectural element consisting of the triangular section found above the horizontal structure , typically supported by columns. The gable end of the pediment is surrounded by the cornice moulding...
s or decorative trim reminiscent of Greek Revival architecture
Greek Revival architecture
The Greek Revival was an architectural movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, predominantly in Northern Europe and the United States. A product of Hellenism, it may be looked upon as the last phase in the development of Neoclassical architecture...
. The revival style was applied to much larger buildings and is confined to New Mexico.
The Territorial Revival style continues to be popular in New Mexico into the 21st century, particularly for commercial buildings, small offices and strip malls.