The school is an architectural marvel, designed to accommodate 6,000 students and 120 classes. The site’s natural slope was ingeniously utilized to create a half-sunken podium that houses public functions such as the canteen, gymnasium, library, and parking. This clever design liberated space for the students on its roof, resulting in a grand garden, perfect for students to relax and unwind.
As you make your way to the main entrance, you are greeted by two longitudinal buildings that nestle the entrance. The entrance is designed to have a grand feeling of majesty, with a grand staircase passing under the floating administration building. The teaching buildings are organized in two symmetrical clusters, with modern institutional facades that add to the grandeur of the school. Labs and storages are on the East-West wing of the clusters, along a 5-stories covered street that holds a huge atrium in which are set up boxes that accommodate group working spaces. The classrooms are all facing South, linked perpendicularly to the indoor street. Below the classroom branches, integrated into the podium, take place courtyards where students can enjoy their breakout times. On the East side of the site, the sports fields are laid out. In the middle of the site, South and North, the dormitories are floating over the podium.
Overall, the school is a perfect blend of modern architecture and functionality, providing students with a conducive environment for learning and growth.
Location: Zouping, Shandong province, China
Year: 2016
Area: 107,100 m²
Phases: Competition
Office: 中国建筑设计院有限公司 [CADG] (www.cadg.com.cn)
Francois Chimier, Architect, Beijing - Dubai 