In the bustling city of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, Huizhen High School stands out as a beacon of innovative architectural design. Completed in May 2022, this boarding school’s groundbreaking campus has been awarded the World Building of the Year 2023 at the World Architecture Festival in Singapore, redefining the traditional concept of educational spaces.
Designed by Hangzhou-based Approach Design Studio in collaboration with Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group, the school deviates from China’s efficiency-centric education model. Architect Di Ma, director of Approach Design Studio, emphasizes the importance of creating ‘blank spaces’ in school life – areas where students can unwind, daydream, and appreciate beauty, away from the rigors of academic pursuits.
The campus architecture is a marvel in itself. The school, which accommodates 30 classes, features classrooms suspended amid a lush canopy of trees and plants. This design immerses students in nature, offering them a serene escape and a space to rejuvenate after classes. The passageways are thoughtfully designed with zigzag patterns, ensuring that students are always enveloped in greenery, regardless of their location on campus.
Rejecting the traditional layout of classrooms, these spaces are strategically placed in various corners of the forest, transforming them into exciting and adventurous learning environments. The unconventional design extends to the paths between classrooms, which meander through the forest, encouraging exploration and free movement across the campus.
The school’s unique roof design covers the closely packed teaching buildings, forming a massive rooftop park and an open-air lecture hall. This design choice was driven by the need to provide students with genuine relaxation spaces, away from the scrutinizing gaze of teachers in traditional school settings.
Dormitories at Huizhen High School house 1,500 students, with four students sharing a room and a bathroom. These dorms are located at the northernmost part of the campus, separated by a tranquil garden for quiet contemplation. Sports fields are conveniently situated nearby.
The entire campus is interconnected through a winding walkway that allows students to stroll freely, integrating various facilities like theaters, libraries, laboratories, cafeterias, and stores along the way.
Sustainability and cost-effectiveness were key considerations in the choice of materials. External walls primarily use regular wall paint, with some areas featuring bamboo and wooden panels for concrete walls and columns, creating an organic, natural feel throughout the campus.
The Huizhen High School project is a testament to the power of architecture in enhancing the educational experience. The design not only fosters academic growth but also nurtures the mental and emotional well-being of students, offering them a harmonious blend of nature and learning. The project’s potential for global application in school designs highlights its innovative and universally adaptable nature, providing a new blueprint for educational architecture.
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