Client: Bureau of Indian Affairs

Location: Prewitt, NM

Size: 79,000 SF

Dyron Murphy Architects was selected for this project based on a design competition. The school is designed to symbolically incorporate many elements of Navajo culture, including functions and colors associated with the Circle of Life. The main entry faces east, toward Mt. Taylor, one of the four sacred mountains of the Diné people.

Other design elements address the four sacred directions. The four separate wings of the building revolve around the central core of the school. The spaces between building elements are landscaped with native plants, and create an interplay between the manmade and natural worlds.

Baca Dlo’ay Azhi is the first LEED Certified school constructed in New Mexico. Sustainable features include a refueling station for hybrid vehicles and extensive controls upgrades.

Key Staff
Dyron Murphy