1. Historical Background: The Auditorium – A Public Space Lost Amid Urban Development
Thinking back to our high school years, was there a grand auditorium that stood alongside us?
This auditorium accompanied us through our youth, serving as both a spiritual haven and a cherished memory of our learning journey.
△ Ankang Middle School Auditorium Renovation Completed © Jin Weiqi
For many high school alumni, the auditorium is a symbol of student life—a vivid, unforgettable part of their academic experience.
This emotional bond is both warm and genuine.
From artistic performances and conferences to film screenings, model presentations, and even campus dinners, all these events were centered in the campus auditorium of that era.
Does this auditorium look familiar? © UUA
However, as times changed, many old auditoriums gradually lost their function. Years of neglect turned them into uninspiring buildings, and most faced demolition.
2. The History of Anzhong Auditorium: 30 Years of Memories for the 30th Class of Anzhong Students
Built in 1991, the Ankang Middle School auditorium has withstood 30 years of wear and weather, becoming a treasured link between students and their collective memories.
It accompanied the 30th cohort of Anzhong students through their academic journey, leaving behind countless unforgettable moments from their youth.
Before renovation – Ankang Middle School Auditorium © UUA
After three decades, the building’s interior and exterior had deteriorated, and its outdated equipment no longer met current needs, placing it at risk of demolition.
3. Opportunity for Renewal: Boyuan Fund’s Donation Breathes New Life into Anzhong Hall
Fortunately, the Ankang Middle School auditorium was preserved and given a new lease on life.
When the Ankang Boyuan Public Welfare Fund learned of its condition, they decided to donate toward its renovation, aiming to preserve this meaningful space for current and future students.
This intervention provided a crucial opportunity to revive the aging auditorium.
At this point, UUA Architects were entrusted with the design of the renovation.
△ Transformation – Main Facade Before and After Renovation © UUA+Jin Weiqi
Visiting Anzhong and seeing the old auditorium evoked a deep emotional response.
Within this historic institution, facing a 30-year-old building, there was a dual responsibility: to preserve memories of generations of students and to meet the practical needs of today’s students.
The donation to rebuild a grand auditorium—a modern venue and spiritual hub for Anzhong students—was a beautiful aspiration.
I was deeply involved throughout the process, from design and material selection to construction.
The completed renovation fulfilled its original purpose.
My hope is to see many talented individuals emerge from here, always remembering their roots, and contributing even more to their hometown’s development.
— Zhang Yuanjiang, Chairman of Ankang Boyuan Industrial
4. Building Renovation: Subtle Design Respecting the Site’s Memory
Upon first visiting Ankang Middle School’s auditorium, one clear message emerged: the design should be restrained, creating a modest building that blends harmoniously with the campus atmosphere.
We envisioned teachers and students seeing this building as an old friend, familiar yet refreshed with new vitality. — Li Yongzheng & Li Qizhi, Partners at UUA Architects
Seamless integration of old and new in the urban fabric © Jin Weiqi
The renovation preserved the original building’s form, maintaining the site’s memory.
The long-neglected roof was structurally reinforced and upgraded with a dark grey aluminum roofing system.
Small proportional adjustments were made to the exterior walls, enhancing structural rhythm and highlighting the main entrance.
△ Structural renovation steps of the main building © UUA
Before and after comparison of the main building’s structure © UUA+Jin Weiqi
The north facade, housing the main entrance, was the focal point of the exterior renovation, featuring a symmetrical layout along its central axis.
A large stepped base supports a three-layer recessed aluminum frame, acting like a stage curtain that frames a crystal-clear glass wall.
The staircase and layered framing create a ceremonial entrance © Jin Weiqi
The glass’s reflective and transparent qualities create a dynamic visual effect, turning the facade into a stage with a grand curtain, dramatizing the passage of time.
The north facade metaphorically mirrors the auditorium’s real stage inside, emphasizing the building’s functional essence.
△ View of the indoor stage from the main entrance © Jin Weiqi
Additionally, the building’s corners and pilaster exteriors are clad in red textured stone, harmonizing with other red brick campus buildings.
△ Red textured stone on corners and pillars © Jin Weiqi
5. Interior Renovation: A Multifunctional Space Shared and Managed by Teachers and Students
The auditorium interior was renovated with a thoughtful integration of structural order, spatial rhythm, wall surfaces, and mechanical and electrical systems, creating a cohesive and interdependent environment.
△ Interior renovation steps © UUA
Comparison of interior before and after renovation © UUA+Jin Weiqi
The redesigned interior adopts a versatile layout, offering flexible and adaptable space to accommodate school performances, conferences, exhibitions, and indoor sports.
Versatile uses of the auditorium’s universal space © UUA
△ Student dance rehearsal © Jin Weiqi
General auditorium space used for sports or presentations © Jin Weiqi
Rotating doors in the auditorium lobby – open or closed © Jin Weiqi
The spatial elements were organized through an integrated design approach, respecting the original structural system while arranging windows, walls, and ceilings to create a rhythmic, balanced atmosphere.
This approach preserves existing memories while offering fresh spatial experiences.
Order and rhythm of interior space elements © Jin Weiqi
△ Alignment between ceiling and wall © Jin Weiqi
Interior walls are finished with wood wool and perforated sound-absorbing panels to ensure excellent acoustics.
The stage is equipped with professional lighting, sound, and display systems to support various event types.
The ceiling features seven capsule-shaped installations incorporating lighting and air conditioning.
Perforated sound-absorbing panels with acoustic angles
Multifunctional stage equipped with professional lighting, sound, and display systems © Jin Weiqi
Capsule-shaped ceiling panels integrating lighting and air conditioning © Jin Weiqi
6. A New Spiritual Hub for Students on Campus
The renovated Anzhong Auditorium has become one of the campus’s most frequented public spaces.
Its flexible, shared use by teachers and students across various activities has made it the most inclusive place on campus.
△ The new Anzhong Auditorium harmoniously integrated into the campus © Jin Weiqi
Preserving the building’s form and character fulfills the emotional needs of alumni, carrying forward the legacy of cherished school memories.
Former student Wang Fei, a Tsinghua and Princeton graduate now working in Silicon Valley, recalls:
“I vaguely remember carrying a bench to the auditorium for a cultural event—that was the highlight of high school life. Today, seeing the grand hall redesigned and modernized with efficient space and advanced lighting, sound, and electrical systems, I can only imagine how many new memories future Anzhong students will create here.”
Current student Li Bolin shares:
“Our school once had tall teaching buildings, antique libraries, and a beautiful, quiet Guiyuan. Now, the new auditorium adds brilliance to campus. I was pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness, high-tech screens, and advanced facilities. Listening to speeches here refreshes my mind and supports our learning and daily life.”
Student Chen Yifei comments:
“I think our auditorium is beautiful and grand—it’s a highlight of our school. I heard entrepreneurs from Ankang donated to build it, which inspires me. I hope to contribute to society in the future. The LED screen is my favorite feature. Recently, our grade held a cultural exhibition here, leaving a deep impression on me.”
Another student, Chen Xinqi, says:
“The auditorium was renovated last year and just opened this year. It’s become a popular spot for students and even internet celebrities. Besides studying, we take many photos here and organize themed lectures and performances, making high school life more vibrant.”
Project Drawings
△ Ankang Middle School Auditorium Renovation Detail Node 01 © UUA
△ Ankang Middle School Auditorium Renovation Detail Node 02 © UUA
△ Ankang Middle School Auditorium Renovation Detail Node 03 © UUA
△ Floor plan of Ankang Middle School Auditorium after renovation © UUA
△ Video comparison of Ankang Middle School auditorium before and after renovation © UUA+Jin Weiqi
Project Information
Location: Ankang, Shaanxi
Size: 1,000 square meters
Architectural & Interior Design: UUA Architects
Design Leads: Li Yongzheng, Li Qizhi
Project Team: Deng Liang (Project Architect), Zhao Shengli, Jiang Teng, Lv Yanfeng, Chen Liye
Owner: Ankang Middle School
Project Management: Ankang Boyuan Industrial
Management Team: Wu Yonggang (Engineering Supervisor), Yang Wei, Luo Laichao, Fu Xianjun, Yang Junchao, Zhang Le
Construction: Hanyin Huishang Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.
Architectural Photography: Jin Weiqi
Design Period: November 2020 – March 2021
Construction Period: April 2021 – September 2021
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up