bright red striped patterns overlay fengpu elementary school's exterior in shanghai

Wuyang Architecture designs Fengpu Elementary School

Fengpu Elementary School by Wuyang Architecture stands on the west side of Fengxian New City in the suburban area of Shanghai, on a former part of an industrial district, now transformed into a new residential area. The school’s site features a centuries-old ginkgo tree and a small pseudo-classic building from the 1970s, both enclosed by a new fence wall. The design of the school addresses two key considerations—navigating architectural development within a renewing urban area and creating a conducive space for children’s school activities.

The building’s exterior exhibits a vibrant and colorful surface, contributing to the identity of the transforming urban environment. In contrast, the interior spaces adopt a subdued gray palette to foster a quiet study environment. The design emphasizes a permeation of contrasting features between the inside and outside. Spatial organization revolves around a dual structure, accommodating study and play, collective and individual spaces, and structured and flexible elements.

aerial view | all images by Wu Qingshan

School’s Innovative Design Reimagines Learning Spaces

Classrooms are arranged around two courtyards on the east side, providing a model for collective space, while public facilities like the library, sports hall, and canteen are positioned on the west side, connecting to the playground. A shared platform, created by courtyards on the ground floor and terraces on the first floor, offers an engaging after-class environment with ramps and free spaces. The design intentionally separates the old ginkgo tree and its pseudo-classic style courtyard from the campus, coexisting in a contemporary manner. The colorful flat surfaces serve as a backdrop to the old neighborhood, and an overhanging corridor with outward-facing seats becomes a place to enjoy the landscape. Fengpu Elementary School’s architectural design by Wuyang Architecture reflects a reevaluation of the typical school environment in China and addresses the complexities of placemaking in the urban renewal process in suburban Shanghai.

aerial view

main entrance

west side

entrance courtyard

platform

courtyard in southeast unit

courtyard in northeast unit

corridor

project info:

name: Fengpu Elementary School

architect: Wuyang Architecture

lead architect: Lu Feng

design team: Jinxiong Yang, Chunwei Jing, Yi Gao, Chuanchen Li

construction drawing: S.H.K. Urban Construction Planning & Design

engineering: Shanghai Construction Group Co., Ltd.

location: Fengxian New City, Shanghai, China

photography: Wu Qingshan

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom