Owe'neh Bupingeh Rehabilitation Project
Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, NM
Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, NM
Currently under Construction, Construction Documentation and management completed while at Atkin Olshin Schade Architects
Role in Project: Existing Conditions surveys, Community workshop and charrette facilitation, construction documents
The Owe'neh Bupingeh Rehabilitation Project is a muti-year, affordable housing, rehabilitation project within the historic core at Ohkay Owingeh, a Pueblo established on the east bank of the Rio Grande River centuries ago.
The 915 acre historic core today contains over 100 buildings including ancient house blocks, an historic 1890 chapel, a larger church constructed on the original footprint of the 1598 mission church, and various tribal government facilities. The condition of the historic buildings is very poor.
An historic preservation plan was developed by Atkin Olshin Schade Architects in collaboration with the Housing Authority, Cultural Advisory Team and Tribal Council, to establish the Pueblo's goals to preserve living traditions - including the use of indigenous materials such as adobe and mud plaster. Work began with an education project through which tribal youth were trained in architectural surveying and satellite-based GPS technology. Tribal elders have also been involved in the project through an oral history project that has recorded memories of tradtions and buildings. Construction is underway for 21 homes and ICDBG funding has been received for an additional 10 homes.