LOOP - XINCHAOSHUI PRIMARY SCHOOL
Client
Public
Location
Yantai, China
Year
2020
Stage
Invited Competition
Design Team
Lei Guo, Chiara Toscani, Maria Belen Iliev, Roberto Lopato, Hoping Hsia,Yijia Dong, Shan Man
Collaboration
Shuishi Design (Shanghai)
CGI
BEAIER
Situated within the Yantai City Economic Development Zone, the Xinchaoshui Primary School is strategically designed to serve the rapidly growing surrounding residential development area. The school will span a substantial site of 31344.5 sqm, with plans for a proposed Gross Internal Area (GIA) of approximately 16000 sqm.
Xinchaoshui Primary School envisages an evolving typology for the public school model. The innovative spatial arrangement within an infinite loop prioritizes flexibility and features interconnected spaces that promote a lively and adaptive learning environment with highly effective circulation. The layout encourages various social interactions and educational engagements, making it a hub for community and learning.
The school will consist of 30 well-equipped classrooms, accommodating a diverse curriculum, along with dedicated administrative offices for staff functions. The facility will also include a restaurant and canteen alongside an auditorium supporting various events and performances. Open areas for recreation and outdoor activities will be integrated at those anchors within the loop.
MASTER PLAN
LOOP - BIRDSEYE VIEW
SCHOOL MAIN ENTRANCE
With an emphasis on exploring and developing unique spatial forms, our design aims to cultivate an enriching learning environment that sparks joy and curiosity among children, ultimately embodying the concept of infinite possibilities for their educational journey.
Inspired by the infinite loop and its morphological concept, the building mass gradually ascends as a continuous ring to integrate the building functions within its three wings. The three wings internally connect to form the main circulation, setting up open activity space and vertical circulation at the turning points in the loop.
In terms of teaching spaces, our proposal differs from the standard, uniform layouts of traditional schools by creating an environment that resonates with children's psychology, incorporating interactive and activity-enriched indoor and outdoor spaces. We advocate for a functional hybrid teaching model that aligns with future educational trends, offering a more accessible and autonomous learning environment.
LOOP - AUDITORIUM
A central courtyard lies at the heart of the enclosed loop, featuring three strategically placed entrances at each corner. The main entrance opens into the teaching building, while secondary entrances facilitate access to administrative areas, the canteen, and the auditorium. The building's varied height caters to functional needs, creating a dynamic internal circulation that enhances the learning experience. At the pinnacle of the triangular structure, the auditorium accommodates 600 to 800 people, serving as a centrepiece for school events. The slope created by this design doubles as a green roof and urban farm, fostering hands-on learning about planting techniques for children.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN STRATEGY:
The landscape design centres around the inviting courtyard and seamlessly integrates with the building’s green roof, adjacent sports area, and buffer zones. This courtyard not only provides a clean and warm environment but also offers a safe outdoor space where children can thrive. Moreover, solar photovoltaic panels have been installed to generate nearly half of the school's annual energy needs, ensuring sustainability and efficiency for future generations.
PROGRAMMES
FACADE DESIGN STRATEGY:
The building's façade features outdoor decorative panels made of limestone, white ceramic fins, and translucent polycarbonate, along with double-glazed panels. This combination is designed to create a fresh yet sophisticated aesthetic. The density and inclination angles of the fins vary based on functional requirements, considering lighting, shading, and glare reduction in classrooms.
The principal façades facing the central courtyard are designed with a rhythmic pattern of a white metal grille, fostering an intimate internal environment. Additionally, V-shaped columns are used to meet the structural requirements of the building, particularly at the three anchor voids. These columns also enhance the fluidity of the space at the entrance level, adding an elegant and modern touch to the overall design of the building.
SOUTHWEST EVEVATION
NORTHWEST EVEVATION
PLAYGROUND
CENTRAL COURTYARD
CENTRAL COURTYARD
CENTRAL COURTYARD FACADE
OPEN PLATFORM - ACTIVITY SPACE
GREEN ROOF - URBAN FARM