Situated less than half a mile from Chesapeake Math & IT Academy (CMIT) South Middle/ High School, the existing building was identified as an ideal candidate for adaptive reuse site to serve as a new elementary school. Arium AE conducted additional studies to confirm the site’s suitability and worked with the owner to outline the improvements needed for both the structure and the site. An Educational Specification document was then developed to define the planning and space requirements. Based on this comprehensive effort, The Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation selected Arium to lead the project.
Arium provided full architectural and MEP engineering design services for the 60,000 SF interior transformation. Careful attention was given to layout and circulation: kindergarten classrooms were positioned near the cafeteria, gymnasium, and outdoor areas for easy access, while fourth and fifth grade students were placed on the opposite end of the building with dedicated math and science rooms, along with an ecology STEM lab.
To enrich the learning environment, specialized spaces for robotics, art and music were located along the school’s central spine, ensuring accessibility for all students. Bright, vibrant colors were integrated throughout the design, both to energize classrooms and to create intuitive wayfinding for students and visitors.
Excel Academy
Fort Washington, MD
University of Maryland, Division of IT
Riverdale, MD
St. Martin’s In-The-Field Episcopal School
Severna Park, MD
Charleston Catholic High School
Charleston, West Virginia
Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation
Laurel, MD
Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation
Upper Marlboro, MD