Carlos Rosario International PCS, Sonia Gutierrez Campus - Architecture Month Tour

To close AIA|DC’s Architecture Month, LA.IDEA in partnership with Shinberg.Levinas Architects organized a tour of Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, Sonia Gutierrez Campus on Monday, April 29th. Guided by Salo Levinas, Principal at Shinberg.Levinas and Carmen Ramirez, VP and COO of Community Capital Corporation, attendees were able to experience firsthand the spaces while learning about the needs from the client’s perspective and observing the architect’s response in its design. The modern 48,000 square foot building is a result of careful study of the irregular site, while maximizing square footage and creating an open, light and welcoming space for the students.

Carmen shared the history behind the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School as a non-profit organization, and the work and mission of Sonia Gutierrez. Inspired by the necessity to provide education for Latin American immigrants, the school was founded with the goal to offer English as a Second Language classes (ESL) and a career training curriculum. In 1998, the school became the first adult charter school in the United States. The Eckington Sonia Gutierrez Campus was completed in 2013 and serves approximately 500 students.

The design’s parti is broken into two parts by a three-story glazed atrium that connects all spaces, encouraging interaction between the students and faculty. The East wing is dedicated to the faculty and administration as well as the main cafeteria, events space and outdoor terrace with views of the Capitol Building. The West wing contains a resource center, language and computer classrooms, culinary labs, nursing and training labs.

LA.IDEA would like to thank Salo Levinas and Carmen for such a thoughtful tour, and all the attendees who were part of this great event. For more information about the School’s mission click here.