“ San Luis has a very classical southwestern vibe, with a significant Spanish-Catholic influence,” Esker said.“ That influence was important for us to reflect in our designs.” heritage, the fact that adobe is readily available nearby, and that buildings made of the material are cooler, making them suitable to San Luis’ warm, arid climate.
The plaza’ s surface is comprised of concentric rings of colored concrete and landscape areas filled with plantings to provide year-round color and soften the feel of the concrete.
Adobe construction predominates
Most buildings in San Luis are one- and two-story, brown- and cream-colored adobe structures. Some have been in continuous use since the early 1860s.
Even in San Luis’ more modern construction, adobe is widely used. This is a recognition of the towns’ Spanish
“ We didn’ t use adobe in the construction of the plaza, but aesthetically we definitely had it in mind,” Land said.
Ayres’ design concept for the new plaza, which sits on what previously was a crumbling asphalt parking lot, is organized around a radial geometry.
“ The geometric effect is like a wagon wheel,” Land said.“ It has a center hub with spokes that branch out from it.”
Abutting the south side of the plaza is the San Luis Town Hall and Visitor Center. The exterior wall of this building facing the plaza is fully adorned with a colorful mural painted by local young
8 | TRENDS Ingenuity, Integrity, and Intelligence.