Taos Architecture

Architecture enthusiasts will love the city of Taos in New Mexico, because it offers a fantastic view of buildings throughout history. Authentic examples of the survival of Pueblo Indian life can be seen, virtually unchanged since the 1540s. Looking further into the city, a traveler will find the ultra-modern, with Earthship Biotecture calling Taos their home.

Pueblo Adobes Although many people know of the Taos Pueblo for their intense and lively festivals that are held throughout the year, it is their architecture that remains most prominent. The intense and strong community of the Pueblo has never allowed any changes or digs on their land, which has allowed visitors a prime sightseeing area. The land is virtually unchanged from the 1500s, and sightseers will love the adobe buildings and large integrated villages throughout the area. Nearby areas throughout Taos have often tried to copy this fantastic architecture, so travelers will be able to find great architecture without visiting the reservations as well.

Earthships One of the most impressive architectural designs to see while in Taos, New Mexico is the earthship community just north of the city. Earthships are buildings made of completely reusable products, such as old tired and aluminum cans, that are designed to be completely autonomous from the city's utilities with a low to non-existent impact on the environment. The Earthship Biotecture company is one of the largest proponents of this architectural movement and has a home in Taos.

Overview On a scientific level, it's actually kind of funny that despite all of the advancements that Earthship Biotecture purports, the adobe homes of the Pueblo are as efficient, if not better, with thermal efficiency. Most of the Earthships have un-insulated ground, which is where a large amount of heat loss occurs, and however novel the design may be, it isn't the most beautiful architecture in the world.