Creating a lively yet cohesive environment with inspiration from the surrounding community and the night sky

At a Glance

  • $67M

    Construction Value

  • 144K

    Square Feet

  • LEED

    Silver Certified

Location
Adelphi, Maryland
Offices
Client
  • Prince George’s County
  • Public Schools
Partners
  • Fengate Asset Management
  • Gilbane Development Company
  • Gilbane Building Company
  • Honeywell

Sonia Sotomayor Middle School - Architecture and Design Services

Rapid enrollment growth had created a severe space shortage across Prince George’s County Public Schools’ middle schools. To address this, they implemented an innovative public-private partnership (P3) model. As part of the P3 team, we developed a two-story and four-story prototype design for six new schools. We gave each school a unique identity through customized interior finishes and design elements, reflecting each school community’s culture and values.

Sonia Sotomayor Middle School has proudly become Home of the Mighty Bobcats. Located in a diverse neighborhood with a large Spanish-speaking population, the school features dual-language signage, reinforcing inclusivity and accessibility.

We took inspiration for our design concept—the night sky—from the surrounding community’s vibrant branding. For the interiors, we incorporated a dynamic palette of pinks, greens, yellows, oranges, and dark and light blues, creating a lively yet cohesive environment. Distinctive features include custom murals with celestial themes and bilingual quotes, accent paint zones, flexible colorful furniture, and flooring patterns that mimic constellations. Lighting design combines natural daylight with energy-efficient LED fixtures, complementing the color scheme.

The two-story building serves over 1,000 students in grades 6–8, with specialized spaces for science, technology, arts, and performance. Outdoor learning areas, athletic fields, and landscaping with native plants enrich environmental education. The school meets LEED Silver standards, emphasizing sustainability, natural light, and views to landscaped areas.

At a Glance

  • $67M

    Construction Value

  • 144K

    Square Feet

  • LEED

    Silver Certified

Location
Adelphi, Maryland
Offices
Client
  • Prince George’s County
  • Public Schools
Partners
  • Fengate Asset Management
  • Gilbane Development Company
  • Gilbane Building Company
  • Honeywell

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