crossboundaries adds flexible extension to beijing school

beijing-based firm crossboundaries has completed the campus for the ‘affiliated high school of peking university’. as part of the chinese government’s ongoing mission to improve the country’s education system, the architectural response hopes to reflect china’s more modern learning ideas, and in turn, to enable the scheme to evolve and become an educational instrument and not use the approach of ‘singularly applying crispy colors in conventional spaces and fitting out classrooms with odd-shaped tables.’

images © wang ziling / yang chao ying 

the new 26,000 sqm extension serves as the middle and high school campus of the affiliated high school of beijing university (BDFZ). a functioning shell and core already existed and crossboundaries proposed a series of landscape and building interventions to the original program which already contains a sports facilities, a theater and some additional classrooms and laboratories for the students.

in response to creating a more dynamic learning environment, the shape of the classrooms on the upper floors has been changed to offer multiple alignment options for interactive teachings methods. flexibility in size is explored through foldable walls and in addition, lockers, shelves, sinks and equipment like whiteboards and seating niches are integrated into these partitions. this multi-functionality makes the space more efficient and more flexible in use. circulation paths offer views into various learning spaces and allow students to be involved in the activity throughout. visual and physical connection between the different areas is the key driver in the architectural amendment of the campus. the color specification of the learning areas support this transition visually.

entering the art building, the lobby offers space for different uses; exhibitions, receptions or performances can be hosted in this space. movable walls can be opened to enlarge the space and to offer direct views and access into the multi-functional hall. the traditional layout design with a raised stage and rows of seating has been changed into a hall with wide timber steps serving as seating and circulation onto the stage area from two sides. this facilitates interaction, integration and dissolution of  ‘actor and spectator.’

project info:

location: beijing, china
client: affiliated high school of peking university
size: 26,000 sqm
design period (including feasibility study): april 2014 – march 2015
construction period: april 2014 – december 2016
architects: crossboundaries, beijing
collaborating ldi: biad (beijing insitute of architectural design)
partners in charge: binke lenhardt, dong hao
team: sidoniekade, irene solà, dian tang, natalie bennett, libny pacheco, brecht van acker, maria francesca origa, cheng si, hugo ríos, alex chen, wang xudong

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save