Acrylic Fridge Magnet: United States. New Mexico. Pueblo Style, Santa Fe

The author of the photo: Tom Harrington. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0).

Unique New Mexico Style

This souvenir from United States features architecture that is quite unique and very New Mexican. It brings to mind life centuries ago when people made houses out of adobe. The interesting earth tones are another very appealing feature of this magnet that is sure to bring to your fridge. It appeals to the use of light and dark contrasts to take away the human elements to a degree that allows one to think about what people are seeing it in. It definitely takes the traveler to old times and old cultures.

Pueblo Style and the Urban Landscape

This architectural style defines the urban landscape of not only New Mexico but also of the American Southwestern. It blends two traditions that are the basis for this region's identity: the Pueblos and the Spanish missions. Visitors can immediately recognize this style for its adobe appearance, the thick walls, the rounded corners, flat roofs, and the wooden beams coming out from the roof.

Quite interestingly, this style was developed in the context of academia when the President of the University of New Mexico, William G. Tight commisioned the renovation of the Santa Fe campus. Soon, it was adopted by further construction in private and public buildings, specially in Santa Fe and in Albuquerque. Some of the buildings that feature this style include the New Museum of Art, Zimmerman Library, the Old Airport Terminal and the Albuquerque International Sunport terminal. Outside New Mexico, this style can also be found in Southern California, in cities such as San Diego and Los Angeles. This is a great travel souvenir for a friend interested in architecture and urban design. As well, it's a lovely reminder of old Santa Fe for those who have had the opportunity to visit this historically rich part of America.