The Melting Shed presents the role of the architect as a traveler in the world today. This thesis documents a voyage taken to investigate the work of an artistic vanguard and focuses on the place where its art has been housed for the public. The journey is an exploration of the artistic and cultural life of two cities: Cuenca, Spain and Houston, Texas. The process involves research in both the old and the new worlds, while discoveries remind us of the rewards of searching in far away places. On the way, the architect considers establishing a forum for artistic expression in Houston. The project examines the city and illustrates how the site was selected as a place to shelter the arts. This thesis delivers a manifesto and suggests a design for the architect's proposal of a Facility for Urban Culture in Houston.