Lecture Series: Gil Penalosa of 8-80

LRGV-AIA reports that: Gil Peñalosa, executive director of the Canadian non-profit 8-80 and internationally renowned city advisor and active public spaces advocate, will speak to the Brownsville community August 28 and 30 as part of the Building a Vibrant Brownsville lecture series. Mr. Penalosa will share his knowledge and experience in designing parks, streets, and open spaces to foster improved health, economic development, and a greener environment. 

Mr. Peñalosa, the third speaker of the Building a Vibrant Brownsville series, will give a special presentation for the Spanish-speaking community on August 28 at the Camille Playhouse at 5:30 p.m. His keynote address (English) is scheduled for August 30 at the Science, Engineering and Technology Building on the UTB and TSC campus at 7:00 p.m.  Both lectures are free and open to the general public.  

In Edinburg: Mr. Peñalosa's main focus regards economic development and community health initiative for local communities and is an advocate for people-friendly development of cities and safety.  Peñalosa will speak at on August 29, 2012: 1. Edinburg Summit - Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 3:00 p.m, open to the general public., Edinburg City Hall, Council Chamber, 415 W. University Drive, Edinburg, Texas  2. Community Banquet: 5:30 registration, 6:00 p.m. dinner. $20, Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, Administrative Boardroom, 2nd Floor, 411 N. 8th St,. Edinburg, Texas.  For more information & banquet tickets, please contact Ann Millard at (956) 668-6320 or Thalia Morin at (956)-322-1940 thaliamorin@gmail.com

MG'er Christopher R. Collins, Architect, has been selected to teach two architecture courses at Texas Southmost College School of Architecture. Chris will teach History of Architecture I and II.  (The course surveys painting, sculpture, architecture and the minor arts from pre-historic times to present with emphasis on the relationship of culture, geography, environment and materials to the method of construction.) and Architectural Technology I and II. (This course introduces students to construction materials, methods, and their applications with an emphasis on common building materials: wood, masonry, concrete and metals. Students study building envelope performance and issues of sustainability as well as the mechanical and electrical systems and their relationship to the structural system.) Chris will remain with Mata-Garcia Architects and head our Brownsville office and public relations. Congratulations!

Parish Hall

The Diocese of Brownsville has given approval for Mata-Garcia Architects LLP to commence work on the Construction Document Phase for the San Cristobal Magallanes y Companeros Parish Hall. The Master Plan, at Sharyland Plantation, calls for a parish hall (Phase 1), a parish church (Phase 2), a chapel/columbarium (Phase 3) and a parish school/rectory (Phase 4). We look forward to working with Father Ignacio and his Parish Council on this long awaited project. Construction is due to start November 2012.  

The west elevation uses brick detailing from the historical Oblate Novitiate at La Lomita on the entry portal and wainscot. Cementitious panels, a continuous clerestory and metal tube arches complete the contempory twist on the historical elements.

The Master Plan uses a courtyard to provide a communal space for the complex; the parish church (left), the parish school/office/store (center) and parish hall (right). The parish rectory is at the lower right corner of the property.Parking will be located off of Santa Ingracia Road.

Interior and exterior sketches of the proposed parish hall.