BIM Architecture: Planning and Design of Yan'an New Campus by Tsinghua New Year Architecture Design and Research Institute

▲ Library Corner

Designing a new campus for a university steeped in Yan’an’s rich historical and cultural legacy—a revolutionary heartland—is a formidable challenge. The goal is to bridge the past and future, creating a design that embodies both the region’s unique characteristics and the spirit of the modern era. The campus should radiate the profound history and honor of the area while introducing a fresh contemporary charm, capturing a humanistic ethos that remains true to its original purpose. These are the key considerations driving the design process. (BIM)

▲ Campus Entrance

Our approach aims to break away from conventional campus design paradigms. We strive to return to the core values of this land and deeply explore its cultural significance, forging a university path that embodies the Yan’an spirit and regional identity.

▲ Aerial View of the Site

▲ Front Aerial Perspective

Yan’an’s architecture is distinguished by its iconic cave dwellings, layered and recessed into the landscape. The design of Yan’an University’s new campus draws inspiration from the enduring Tui Tai Kiln Cave, a symbol deeply embedded in the region’s architectural heritage. This choice reconnects with the past, reinforces regional characteristics, and preserves historical continuity.

▲ Panoramic View

The main buildings at the front of the campus feature stepped setbacks, forming a distinctive landmark of Yan’an University’s new campus.

▲ Panoramic View

▲ Library

▲ Grand Staircase at the Library Entrance

▲ Stepped Back Facade of the Library

▲ Library Corner

▲ Campus Square

The cave dwelling motif, the most distinctive architectural feature of Yan’an, is woven throughout the campus design. However, rather than simply replicating it, the design harmonizes campus culture with functional requirements. The cave dwelling forms inspire arcade spaces that serve as building foundations, adding a sense of solidity and weight.

▲ View of the Central Axis Steps and Wenhui Lecture Hall at the Front of the Campus

▲ Wenhui Lecture Hall

▲ Museum

▲ Archery Design Inspired by Cave Dwelling Forms

▲ Arch Detail

The continuous arcade offers rich spatial experiences with dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

Additionally, the arcade creates a comfortable semi-outdoor environment, providing shade in summer and shelter from snow in winter. This design effectively addresses Yan’an’s harsh seasonal climate, offering an inviting space for faculty and students to gather, while also serving as a pedestrian corridor connecting various campus functions.

▲ View of the Library Arcade and School History Museum

▲ School History Museum Arcade with Library in View

▲ View of the Museum from the Library Arcade

Interior Spaces

▲ South Atrium of the Library

▲ South Atrium of the Library

▲ North Atrium of the Library

▲ Third-Floor Atrium of the Library

▲ Indoor Exhibition Hall

Project Drawings

▲ Master Site Plan

▲ First Floor Plan: Library, Museum, and School History Museum

▲ Second Floor Plan: Library, Museum, and School History Museum

▲ Floor Plan: Library, Museum, and School History Museum

▲ Fourth Floor Plan of the Library

▲ Fifth Floor Plan of the Library

▲ Sixth Floor Plan of the Library

▲ Basement Level Plan of the Library

▲ East Front View of the Library

▲ South Front View of the Library

▲ Section 1-1 of the BIM Library Building

▲ Section 2-2 of the Library

▲ Underground Floor Plan of the Museum

▲ East Elevation of the Museum

▲ Section 1-1 of the Museum

▲ Underground Floor Plan of the School History Museum

▲ Section 1-1 of the School History Museum

▲ Node Detail Diagram

Project Information

Designer: Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University

Location: Yan’an, Xi’an, China

Category: University Campus

Principal Architect: Zhuang Weimin

Design Team: Zhuang Weimin, Li Kuang, Tang Hongjun, Sheng Wenge, Zhang Yi, Xu Tengfei, Chen Rongzi, Ding Hao, Zeng Linwen, and others

Structural Engineers: Jiang Bingli, Yang Xiao, et al.

Landscape Designers: Zhouyi, Zhang Xuelei, et al.

Building Area: 575,000 square meters

Project Year: 2018

Photography: Yao Li

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