△ Project Video: Update and Transformation Process and Achievements of Jianyuan Book Bar © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
University campuses today, much like cities, face both opportunities and challenges when it comes to renewal. Embracing the concept of “micro updates,” we explore the potential of overlooked “corner spaces” within the campus. Our goal is to create simple, comfortable, flexible, diverse, and human-centered public spaces.
Analysis of the Potential of Campus Corner Space at Dongfeng Road Campus © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
01 Site Impressions and Research
The project is situated at the southwest corner of the Dongfeng Road campus of Guangdong University of Technology. It is a collaborative campus renovation space developed and operated by both faculty and students. The site consists of a partially elevated building and a narrow green area between two floors. Although slightly cluttered and outdated with low vitality, it holds cherished memories for the college community.
△ Original appearance and usage of the venue © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Preliminary research and analysis to guide the update and renovation © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
02 Overall Update Goals
The university envisions transforming this area into a truly supportive space for student growth. We also see this as an opportunity to apply our knowledge practically, expressing gratitude for the university’s nurturing environment by creating something beautiful. Our overarching goal is to build a “public learning space and integrated innovation base” by consolidating and enhancing fragmented spaces.
△ Revitalizing the campus corner space with micro updates (real scene after renovation of Jianyuan Book Bar) © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Overall layout of the “Public Learning Space and Integrated Innovation Base” © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
03 Jianyuan Book Bar: A Simple and Elegant “Book Bar Box” in Black and White
△ Facade of the “Book Bar” (realistic synthesis) and exploded construction diagram © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Jianyuan Book Bar is the centerpiece of the “Public Learning Space and Integrated Innovation Base.” The interplay of black and white box spaces forms a fresh and distinctive “Book Bar” identity. We removed the wall facing the entrance and added a few steps and white sidewalls to create a simple foyer. This design extends the flow and experience while enhancing the venue’s sense of ceremony.
View from the ‘Black Box’ toward the ‘Prologue Hall’ and inner courtyard © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
The contrasting black and white “Book Bar” space © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
The clean and transparent black and white box inspires innovation and communication © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Overview of the “Black Box” shared bar counter © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Integrating academic atmosphere into spatial design © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
The facade features vertical grilles creating a clean, simple image. White desks paired with lush green plants foster a serene and vibrant atmosphere filled with the scent of books.
View toward the lively “White Box” bathed in light and shadow © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Overview of the “White Box” space © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
△ North entrance of the “White Box” © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
The preserved gray cultural wall under the “micro update” strategy blends into the new environment © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
The “White Box” academic salon space features various styles of lightweight, flexible furniture and simple, transparent partitions, allowing for diverse uses and behaviors.
Flexible and diverse space usage modes (“lecture + conference + learning + salon”) © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
View from the north entrance of the “White Box” toward the three-dimensional composite bookshelf wall © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
The “White Box” public space accommodates various communication and usage needs © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
▲ A corner of the “Book Bar” through the passage of time © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
The custom-designed three-dimensional composite bookshelf wall not only meets storage needs effectively but also uses transparent and semi-transparent materials to create beautiful light and shadow effects. This design cleverly enhances the connection between the interior and exterior spaces, fostering cultural engagement.
The play of tree shadows and light © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
A peaceful space enriched with greenery and the aroma of books © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Highlighting the exclusive academic atmosphere © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Teachers and students have begun to slow down and gather here to exchange ideas, watch films, enjoy tea, and make coffee. We introduced interactive elements closely linked to campus life, such as shared coffee utensils, coffee exchange boxes, message boards, building cat nests, and university photo albums. These initiatives encourage users to maintain the space and share meaningful experiences, strengthening their connections.
Small objects filled with memories of the institution’s founding © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
We also developed related products such as comics, posters, lightboxes, and carpets inspired by the life of the institution.
Peripheral product designs inspired by the birth of “Jianyuan Book Bar” © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
△ Even campus cats are drawn to this warm space © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
04 Green Humanistic Narrow Courtyard
The renovation plan integrates the open space in front of the building with the green area between buildings outside the “Book Bar,” creating a continuous linear “exhibition space + narrow courtyard garden.” This design embraces green and sustainable development concepts.
△ Rendering of the “Green Humanistic Narrow Courtyard” © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
△ Narrow courtyard design incorporating innovative green humanistic concepts © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Technical Drawings
△ Location Map © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
△ Plan of the “Public Learning Space and Integrated Innovation Base” © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
△ Plan of “Jianyuan Book Bar” © Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Project Information
This project is supported by the Network Information and Modern Education Technology Center of Guangdong University of Technology.
Project Name: Construction of Public Learning Space at Guangdong University of Technology
Design Team: Guangdong University of Technology Campus Renewal Team
Team Leaders: Li Xiaowei, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and Jia Chaoqiang, Counselor
Mentor: Hai Jia
Team Members: Wang Tongyu, Zeng Huishan, Huang Li, Luo Jiaqian, Wang Ziyu, Xu Bingbing
Contact Email: crtofgdut@163.com
Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong
Project Area: The renovation area of the “Jianyuan Book Bar” shared exchange zone is approximately 25 square meters, while the academic salon area covers about 52 square meters. The “Humanistic Narrow Courtyard” encompasses roughly 275 square meters.
Design and Completion Time: 2021–2022
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