CLIENT
Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans

BUILDING AREA
47,017 sf

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans (AAMA) serves Houston and San Antonio’s Latino communities with middle school, high school, adult education and numerous social programs. RDLR’s master plan for the Gulf Freeway facility provides AAMA a long term vision of a collegiate campus reflecting Latino cultural attitudes, art and sustainable design. The Master Plan calls for multi-level buildings and structured parking to make space for a green commons area and an athletic field.

RDLR is also responsible for the campus flagship building, the AAMA Learning Center (ALC). The facility is a three level 47,000 SF classroom and administrative off ice building which replaces three obsolete off ice buildings. The building is sited to maximize exposure from the Gulf Freeway to reflect and engage the community. Cultural references include ornate brick patterns which recall weaving patterns found throughout Latin America, and curved building entry form masonry arms to embrace visitors, reflecting the Latino gesture of deep friendship, “el abrazo.”