The New Sun Student Center at Peking University is situated in the heart of the student life and learning zone, neighboring the Centennial Memorial Hall and the Second Teaching Building. This multifunctional building integrates student activities, services, and management. However, with the rapid advancement of the information age, its outdated facilities and single-purpose design no longer meet students’ extracurricular needs. Beginning with the renovation of a small theater, the project aims to transform the New Sun Student Center into a vibrant campus creative hub.
▲ Project location © Title Building Site © FEI Architects
▲ New Sun Student Activity Center
▲ Interior space before renovation of the New Sun Student Activity Center
Human behavior is influenced by both identity and environment.
The cellular nature within the human body subconsciously guides behavior. Inspired by this, the project aims to revitalize space by creatively incorporating modular components that expand functionality. This approach transforms “idle” or even “ruined” spaces into vibrant, enjoyable environments.
Working within a limited budget, the goal was not to create mere decoration but to develop cellular components that address and enhance spatial diversity.
— Project Designer Huang Yi, Partner at Fen Architecture
▲ Panoramic view of the activity staircase © feral cat
▲ Assembled into a semi-enclosed performance space © feral cat
Cells and Components: Functional Building
Just as human cells form the building blocks for all basic functions, designers embraced the concept of “miniaturization – less is more,” allowing each component to unlock greater possibilities. Using this principle, a stepped component and three small accessories were designed as basic units. While the spatial footprint remains unchanged, this large piece of furniture fills the small theater with limitless potential, exemplifying the power of design.
▲ “Cell” component design diagram © Title Building
▲ Basic unit of the activity ladder © feral cat
▲ “Cell” component © feral cat
Organization and System: Scene Construction
The designer created multiple functional scenarios using fixed unit combinations to support extracurricular activities such as club rehearsals, exhibitions, self-study groups, discussions, relaxation, and evening events. These easily assembled and movable components empower students to unleash their creativity, enhancing functionality and maximizing space utilization.
When multiple clubs rehearse simultaneously, the space is divided into distinct zones. The small red table serves multiple roles: a discussion hub, an exhibition display, and even a chessboard. For formal performances, the stands are arranged in an arc to form a complete seating area equipped with temporary stools, accommodating up to 300 viewers. This approach transforms the original small theater from a basic setting into a versatile, dynamic environment.
▲ Dynamic diagram illustrating how the space adapts to different functions © Title Building
▲ Various atmospheres and scenarios of students in the renovated space © feral cat
Individual and Behavior: Creating Atmosphere
New spaces inspire creativity and foster thinking. When functions and settings are fulfilled, teachers and students become the central figures within the environment. This space is filled with diverse atmospheres that encourage communication, interaction, and social connections. The modular components and their combinations play a crucial role in promoting social engagement.
▲ Conceptual diagram showing human behavior influenced by “cells” © Title Building
▲ Activity components doubling as chessboards © feral cat
▲ The back of the activity staircase can be used as a reading area © feral cat
The design themes for the small theater focus on “creative space” and “scene construction.” These concepts advance the ideas of “activating space” and “aesthetic teaching,” while demonstrating the potential of temporary spaces.
Through this modular, sustainable approach, Fen Architecture aims to reintroduce the concept of “cells” into public structures, encouraging urban residents to engage in diverse leisure activities.
▲ Detailed view of the activity staircase © feral cat
▲ Detailed view of the activity staircase © feral cat
▲ Detailed view of the activity staircase © feral cat
Project Information
Project Name: Peking University New Sun Student Center Small Theater
Location: Peking University
Area: 680 square meters
Principal Architect: Huang Yi
Design Team: Zhuo Jinwan
Owner: Peking University
Photography: Wildcat
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