At Alderete Middle School, the bold and inspiring design reflects the culture and identity of the community, creating an environment that fosters creativity and pride. Imaginative spaces are crafted to inspire students while honoring the unique spirit of Canutillo.

The design process draws from extensive research, CISD standards, guiding principles, and community feedback—strategically gathered to create a relevant, timeless, and low-maintenance campus. Central to the vision is the “Paseo,” a multi-use atrium at the heart of the school that illustrates a strong connection between the community and campus. This centralized space celebrates interaction, engagement, inspiration, and socialization, embodying the school’s vibrant identity. Inspired by its mountainous site and the educational focus on public service, the design for AMS employs fractal geometries that mirror the surrounding terrain.

Site retaining walls serve both as structural supports and as platforms that embody resilience and strength—key elements in the built environment and in the field of public service. This interplay between solid, stable walls and a lightweight carved form composed of voids reinforces the balance between structure and adaptability, anchoring the design in its mission to educate, shape young minds, and inspire.

The multi-story atrium encourages interaction, brings in natural light, and connects levels through a faceted stair-ramp combination. This learning stair includes seating areas, and the atrium is programmed for multimodal learning, with designated areas as well as highly flexible spaces. The library, a glass “jewel box,” projects into the atrium, serving as a luminous focal point within the heart of the school.