Alamos, Sonora; architecture and urbanism in the dry tropics.

9780816526512

Alamos, Sonora; architecture and urbanism in the dry tropics.

Messina, John.

U. of Arizona Press

2008

165 pages

$35.00

Hardcover

Southwest Center series

NA757

The Mexican town of Alamos dates back to the seventeenth century, starting as a silver mining town. Much of the central town is still intact. Architect and professor of architecture at the university of Arizona, Messina has been fascinated by Alamos for many years. He begins with a history of the town and follows with an in-depth study of the important buildings with schematics and photographs. He notes that the design is much the same as Greco-Roman homes, with rooms in a square around a central atrium or courtyard. Messina also traces the development of the town plan, according to landscape and Hispanic tradition. What sets this book apart from other architectural studies is the passion with which Messina argues for a revamping of towns and cities in the American Southwest using the model of Alamos, in building design and also in setting aside communal spaces for markets, gardens and gatherings. He argues persuasively for the ecological and aesthetic soundness of his plan. The beauty of the town, as seen in the illustrations, supports his statements.

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