Albuquerque International Sunport - Sunport Roadway Landscape Improvements

Every arrival and departure at the Albuquerque International Sunport begins with a journey through the landscape, and with it, a first impression of New Mexico. SITES reimagined the Sunport roadway corridor to celebrate that sense of place while advancing the City’s water conservation goals.

The design transformed what had been water-hungry turf medians into a living gateway that reflects the beauty and resilience of the high desert. Native yuccas, drought-tolerant perennials, and colorful seasonal plantings frame stone retaining walls and terraces, creating texture and movement throughout the approach. A central water-harvesting swale captures and filters stormwater, reducing maintenance needs and cutting irrigation demand by more than half.

The project also introduced expressive new features: a signature LED gateway sign welcoming travelers, and four large-scale Native design pots illuminated by solar lighting. Together, these elements shape a corridor that feels unmistakably Albuquerque, rooted in culture, defined by sustainability, and designed to leave a lasting impression of the landscape that makes this city unique.