Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum
Ignacio, CO

This Cultural Center & Museum, was designed to preserve the history of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, tell their story and keep their traditions alive. This museum located in Ignacio, Colorado is in the heart of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, just a short distance from Durango, Colorado.
The project consisted of several complex design elements such as tapered metal roof panels, sloped gazing, in-floor heating and cooling, a humidification system, a vegetated roof assembly, linear wood ceilings, and a water feature. The focal point of the project is the Welcome Gallery, resembling a three story teepee, enshrouded with translucent glass panels. The structure is wrapped with stretched formed aluminum slats that serve as the structures sunshade which resembles a woven basket, native to the Southern Ute Culture.

Architect: Jones & Jones Architects www.jonesandjones.com
Owner: Southern Ute Indian Tribe www.southern-ute.nsn.us

Click here for printable project summary.