Paul Foster School of Medicine – El Paso, Texas

Project Overview:

El Intercambio was designed to create both a physical and symbolic connection between two new buildings at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech University. Conceived as a collaboration between landscape architect Jason Hodges and artist Larry Kirkland, the project merges art, science, and landscape into a unified experience that celebrates connection, knowledge, and the human spirit.

Design Intent:

The design forms a 200-foot-long granite pathway—engraved with the spiral of DNA and images of flora and fauna from local, regional, and global ecosystems—that symbolizes the shared foundation of all living things. Framed by garden “rooms” and sculptural gateways, the landscape reflects the balance between science, art, and the cultural identity of El Paso.

The largest sculptural element, Portal, is composed of alternating bands of Imperial Red and Kashmir Gold granite, referencing the arched windows and passageways of the campus architecture. Its cut-through profile of a human head evokes discovery, individuality, and the pursuit of medical understanding. Additional granite sculptures and engraved patterns throughout the garden recall motifs of Hispanic design and underscore the interconnectedness of life, culture, and learning.

Key Sustainability Features:

green infrastructure specifically the incorporation of on-site stormwater infiltration, use of local stone materials, use of native plant materials / water-wise landscape, permeable paving materials