The adobe churches of New Mexico were built as part of the Franciscan missionary campaign in the New World. They were modest, lacking architectural embellishments like vaulted ceilings, and they were constructed with massive adobe walls. Typically the space of the church was a single long nave, slightly taller than it was wide, without a transept or side chapels. (...)
The adobe churches of New Mexico were built as part of the Franciscan missionary campaign in the New World. They were modest, lacking architectural embellishments like vaulted ceilings, and they were constructed with massive adobe walls. Typically the space of the church was a single long nave, slightly taller than it was wide, without a transept or side chapels. The churches had limited windows, but light was often carefully organized to illuminate the altar to dramatic effect. Adobe buildings require frequent re-mudding to prevent the rapid deterioration that ensues when they are exposed to the elements. In the 20th century, mass exodus to the cities in the region of younger community members seeking more job opportunities resulted in a decline in the maintenance of these structures and the loss of familiarity with long-lasting traditional construction techniques. Inappropriate use of cement-based materials dramatically compounded the problem of maintenance. Cement, while durable, is highly incompatible with earthen materials, as it adds significantly to the weight of the building and can contribute to the deposit of harmful salts on the surface.
