Tianjin Elementary School / Vector Architects + CCDI

© ShuHe

Architects: Vector Architects +
Location: Tianjin, Xiqing,
Design Architect: Gong Dong
Partners of Vector Architects: Gong Dong, Chien-ho Hsu
Collaborating Architects of CCDI: Qiang Lv
Project Architect & Site Architect of Vector Architects: Nan Wang
Client: County Government
Project Area: 18,000 sqm
Project Year: 2010
Photographs: ShuHe

concept diagram

Our goal is to establish a unique place within the school that encourages interaction between the students and teachers through their daily learning and teaching life. The basic program consists of 48 classrooms, a number of special program classrooms, cafeteria, training gymnasium, administration areas and an outdoor exercise field.

process models
© ShuHe

The design process starts with an analytical research of the spatial pattern of interactive activities, both in plan and in section. A series of physical study model were built along the process, in order to seek the most reasonable spatial and programmatic layout. Eventually the best location of the primary interactive space is discovered to be on the 2nd floor, sandwiched by regular classroom floors, and connected to the skylight through the central atrium, where natural ventilation were maximized. The space is defined by the surrounding special program classrooms, and extends itself to a green roof deck at the south side, which is also the pivot point of the site arrangement. The deck connects to the main school entrance, the outdoor fields, and different parts of the building at different heights by stairs, ramps and bridges. Such a “Platform”, consisting of indoor space and outdoor deck, not only generates and amplifies energy of interactions, also adds visual characters to the exterior building appearance because of the application of distinctive materials and space modules.

© ShuHe

A series of green technologies are proposed in this project, such as geothermal system, storm water management, green roof, permeable landscape, passive ventilation, maximized natural daylight, recycled material and etc.

* Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
Cite: "Tianjin Elementary School / Vector Architects + CCDI" 27 Sep 2010. ArchDaily. Accessed 18 Jun 2013. <http://www.archdaily.com/79227>

13 comments

  1. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    I would like if the boxes had some order there, because it seems too chaotic inside the atrium. Also the colour scheme of the boxes is too intensive for me.
    But it’s still a wonderful building.

    Reply
  2. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    The sketches and the models are quite interesting, but I feel the spatial playfulness of the interstitial zones as suggested in the concept drawings was lost in translation into reality.

    Reply
      • Thumb up Thumb down 0

        i do see the ” fluid” though, if you check the second floor plan, and go to some of the pictures where you could see tresparent glass between the 2 boxes from exteiror view. i think it is the limit of the picture selection.
        i love the diagram of evolving progress, that how such an interesting idea comes down to this nice builidng and space step by step, powerful!

  4. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    Very nice!
    I just miss function tags on the floor plans for a better understanding of the concept though.

    Reply
  8. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    Very interesting spatial arrangements, very flashy finishing project. But there really is no way of telling that this is a building occupied predominantly by small children. Very ‘grown-up’…

    Reply
  9. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    yes a wonderful space! i like to see some kids inside with the space.
    really some good stuff emerging in china, and more importantly, i think chinese designers are catching up fast, do not understand me wrong, it is a compliment.

    Reply
  11. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    把严整的功能和灵活的体量整合起来，使人获得了空间上的愉悦，两种不同的肌理的连续结合了整个场地使得整个设计独具匠心

    Reply

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