The Wildlife Viewing Pavillion at Tucson Audobon Society’s Paton Center for Hummingbirds was designed by D U S T to celebrate the founders of the pavilion. The site for the pavilion used to be a private residence owned by Wally and Mary Paton. The Paton family would welcome migratory hummingbirds into their garden. The pavilion uses a roof made of steel ribbons that echoes the hummingbird’s flutter. The roof twists when it rains which allows rainwater to fall into the catch basin in order to pollinate the plants. The columns are made of white oak which mirrors the desert landscape around it. The pavilion was made to gracefully age as time goes on. This is a sanctuary for hummingbirds and humans alike. The pavilion celebrates the Paton family and their love for hummingbirds.

The Tuscon Mountain Retreat by D U S T is a lush retreat situated in the vast expanse of the Saguaro National Park. Surrounded by a seemingly endless supply of Saguaro cacti, the property is gently nestled among them. The clients wanted to reconnect with their roots and the pristine landscape around them. D U S T designed the property to blend in with the surrounding landscape in an attempt to maintain the sightlines of the land around it. The parking area is located roughly 400 feet from the house to promote isolation. From the parking area, there is a pathway of large stepping stones placed in random order. The exterior of the house is made from Rammed Earth, which blends seamlessly into the desert landscape around it. The interior is a very open design that promotes airflow and natural light throughout the home. It is divided into three distinct zones: living, sleeping, and music. To enter each zone, you must exit the zone you’re in and step outside before you can enter the next zone. This forces a connection to the desert outside. All around the home are floor to ceiling glass walls that are able to move, which make the home extremely versatile. This is an extremely well-designed home that promotes both zen and connecting with the environment which is exactly what the clients wanted. The design team at D U S T masterfully executed this project.

D U S T is an architecture firm in Tucson, Arizona, that specializes in modern architecture. The Casa Caldera property’s idea came from the client who wanted an off-grid residence that connected with the surrounding landscape. The property is located in the San Rafael Valley in Southern Arizona which features an extraordinarily remote and arid environment. The valley was frequented by volcanic activity many years ago. The volcanic activity caused the surrounding landscape to be strewn with volcanic rock such as red scoria and lava rock.  The site sits only 15 miles north of the U.S./Mexico Border, which is a hotbed for immigration-related foot traffic. Security was a significant cause of concern for the client, as they wanted to feel safe and secure in their residence while still enjoying their surroundings. The architects at D U S T incorporated both the client’s desire to blend in with the landscape and the security concerns in their design process. They did this by expertly selecting elements from the surrounding environment such as red scoria and lava rock and combining it with concrete and water to create the structure for the property. This design process allowed D U S T to address both the desires to blend in and be secure. The result of their work blends meticulously into the surrounding landscape, nestled among the trees and rocks surrounding the shelter. In an effort to address the client’s security concerns on a different front, D U S T used large bi-fold steel doors that match the structure’s exterior color. They allow natural light and airflow in when open and a sense of security when closed. The interior of Casa Caldera is extremely minimalistic but comfortable at the same time. The structure is centered around a “zaguan,” which is a large central hallway. To offset the rough interior walls, D U S T chose reclaimed wood for the length of the zaguan. The reclaimed sassafras they chose creates a sense of comfort and provides a sensory experience with both sight and smell. The structure is compact but contains two bedrooms and a kitchen, dining room, and living room. While the structure is remote, these rooms give it a sense of normalcy and offer some of the creature comforts of home. The site is self-sustainable, which fits the client’s wants and the spirit of the surrounding landscape. The property promotes disconnecting from the outside world and connecting yourself to the desert landscape around you.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA takes first prize for the coolest museum I have been to. The Reagan Library is a massive complex that features many different exhibits. The library has millions of documents and photographs among others from President Reagan’s time in office. The first time I went to the library, I was blown away by how much stuff had been accumulated from his presidency. My favorite part of the Reagan Library is the hangar which houses the decommissioned Air Force One plane that flew President Reagan across the nation and across the globe. Getting to see Air Force One up close and personal was an extremely cool experience. I also thought the other exhibits like a life-size version of the Oval Office and pieces of the Berlin Wall were fascinating. I was fortunate to experience this awesome place with my family and created many memories. 

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City is another one of my favorite buildings. The MoMA is a place that I enjoy going to year after year as it brings up old memories, and creates new ones as well. My family and I have spent countless hours exploring the different galleries and exhibits. The MoMA is the first art museum my parents brought me to which is why it is so special to me. The building has a very clean and modern aesthetic that really lets the artwork be the center of attention. I can’t wait to go back again and create more memories.

The Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas is one of my favorite stadiums I have ever been to. Every year since I can remember, I have made the trek down to Dallas for the annual OU/Tx game which is played there. The stadium was built in the 1930s and definitely shows its age. Although there have been many renovations over the years, there are still aspects that could be renovated. Regardless of the condition of the stadium, the feeling I get when entering is unlike any other. Weaving through the fairgrounds outside the stadium is always a journey, but when I find myself in the beer gardens of Gate G I know I’m in the right spot. When the players take the field, I can always feel goosebumps. The stadium is split 50/50 between OU and Texas fans. The Cotton Bowl and surrounding State Fair of Texas is always an electric environment that draws me back year after year.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City is one of the most beautiful buildings I have had the pleasure of experiencing. My family and I are frequent travelers to New York to see family there and we are always drawn back to St. Patrick’s. The cathedral is incredibly detailed both inside and out. The first time we visited I was in awe of both the sheer size of the cathedral and the beauty of the neo-gothic architectural style. The twin spires soar into the skyline and are a welcomed disruption from the glass skyscrapers that surround it. The inside of St. Patrick’s has a warm and cozy feeling that radiates throughout. It has many different types of stained glass which is something I really enjoy.