Project Background: Situated at No. 78 Bancang Street in Nanjing, nestled at the foot of Purple Mountain and alongside Xuanwu Lake, the Purple Gold Campus of Nanjing Normal University spans 110,000 square meters, with approximately 80,000 square meters of ground floor area. The campus is renowned for its stunning scenery and unique ecological environment, offering picturesque mountain and lake views.
This location, No. 78 Bancang Street, represents a place where culture and campus spirit intertwine, evoking lasting memories of a vibrant academic community and the cultural bonds between the university and the city. It fosters an intellectual, inclusive, and innovative atmosphere.
In July 2019, to further advance urban renewal and development, the historic Purple Gold Campus officially ceased its teaching functions, sending off its last cohort of students. Both government and commercial entities are actively exploring innovative strategies to revitalize urban spaces by transforming existing land uses through renewal and regeneration, aligning with urban innovation and the emerging new economy.
From Campus to Park: A “Micro Surgery” Transformation
The redevelopment of the former Zijin Campus was a collaborative effort between Nanjing Normal University, the Xuanwu District Government, and Jindi Commercial Construction. Beginning in 2019, DUTS Design undertook the renovation and redesign of the entire 110,000-square-meter campus, including key interior spaces. Recently, Phase I and Phase II of the transformation have been completed.
With a history exceeding 60 years, this university campus has undergone “urban micro-renewal” to become Xuanwu Ecological Science and Technology Park – Jindi Wutong Li, the first fully transformed park of this kind. Zhong Ling, founder and architect of Duze Design, explains: “While we often focus on creating new structures, stepping back to consider the city’s perspective reveals the invaluable emotional connection between the campus and the city. Our approach embraced organic renewal, balancing preservation with innovation.”
The design team conducted thorough observation, documentation, and analysis of the existing buildings, considering various dimensions from architectural renovation and interior spaces to park development. Respecting the original campus’s internal character and order, they adopted an “organic micro-renewal” strategy. This approach preserved the architectural and cultural memory while subtly reshaping facades, circulation, and interior spaces, breathing new life into the campus for the modern era.
Building 1: Revitalizing with a New Roof
Located opposite the park’s main entrance, Building 1 is the oldest teaching building on the original campus. The design team preserved the distinctive roof shape and building silhouette, while reinforcing the structure with modern materials. The university’s motto, “Upholding Virtue, Caring for Health, Diligent Learning, and Skilled Action,” has been freshly painted and prominently displayed on the building’s exterior.
The facade was enhanced with diverse building materials, emphasizing the first-floor entrance. The design integrates the main entrance with the street-facing facade using enclosed steel panels, and incorporates additional interior spaces such as street-facing commercial areas, a leisure atrium, and versatile multifunctional zones.
The original wooden roof of Building 1 was outdated and replaced for safety reasons. A modern glass roof was embedded in the center to introduce natural light. Facing Purple Mountain to the south, the design created a public communication space in the fourth-floor atrium, expanding the exterior glass area and transforming Building 1 into a “mountain view room.”
The high ceiling forms a courtyard-like space, allowing afternoon sunlight to flood the interior. This seamless flow enhances indoor views and fosters physical connections within the building.
Building 5: Creating a Multi-Level Cultural Hub
Originally, Building 5’s entrance was accessed via a two-story staircase, which was removed during renovation to open up the main entrance and improve indoor-outdoor connectivity. By leveraging the campus’s scenic green surroundings and adding inviting elements, the space has transformed from a traditional academic setting into a modern office park with a scholarly ambiance.
The atrium was utilized to form a shared cultural space. The renovated interior flow enhances office unit layout—making them more complete, flexible, and less disruptive. The formerly open-air courtyard was roofed, creating a spacious indoor courtyard with clear views and a vibrant public gathering area suitable for major events, fostering creativity and social interaction.
The inner courtyard’s facade was updated, preserving the original teaching building’s humanistic spirit but adding a youthful, energetic vibe. The old staircase was removed, and the glass curtain wall was expanded, enriching the exterior with color and modern appeal.
Through “scene reshaping,” the original campus spaces have been converted into a multifunctional office environment integrated with cultural elements, accommodating contemporary urban working needs. Additionally, a six-story open-top terrace was added to the existing building, offering new leisure possibilities.
The academic lecture hall in Building 5 was transformed into the multi-purpose “Wutong Lecture Hall,” equipped with advanced multimedia facilities and seating for 300 people. It now serves as a venue for performances, conferences, roadshows, and other events.
Building 7: The Library’s Modern Revival
Building 7 served as the original campus’s library. The design preserved its emotional and cultural significance along with its overall form. Using modern architectural techniques, the building now features a more open and contemporary appearance.
The transportation core was redesigned and integrated with an elevated atrium and communication space to maximize public area utility. The atrium was extended to the rooftop skylight, creating bright natural lighting inside. Facing Purple Mountain, the communication space offers exceptional views.
Maintaining the library’s humanistic atmosphere, the renovation introduced modern urban lifestyle elements such as an open coffee shop, shared office spaces, dining options, internet facilities, and ecological technology. This revitalized “library” has become a vibrant community hub for urban youth.
Student Dormitories: From Dorms to WELIVE Solo Office Spaces
The original student dormitories were partially opened up and renovated to create a distinctive “WELIVE” standalone office area. The park also retained Nanjing Normal University’s sports playground, one of the few large athletic facilities within a general office park.
The campus lifestyle continues in the new office park, where people can jog or walk on the rubber track and enjoy physical activity. After work hours, colleagues can organize soccer matches, enriching their recreational options.
The 110,000-square-meter Zijin Campus renovation is DUTS Design’s largest urban renewal project to date. Over three years, the team collaborated closely with property owners, pushing innovative boundaries in planning, architecture, and interior design.
The project aims to celebrate the spirit and cultural legacy of Nanjing Normal University while reflecting the city’s long-term vision. It also demonstrates how organic “micro-renewal” can drive urban development, industrial upgrading, and improve urban living quality.
Faced with existing urban land, architects, government, universities, and developers are jointly exploring innovative urban development paths. Through renewal and regeneration, existing land undergoes functional transformation and structural reconstruction, integrating with urban innovation and the new economy.
Through this urban renewal, the 110,000-square-meter campus regeneration awakens new stories and life at No. 78 Bancang Street.
Before Renovation:
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ Building 7 Floor Plan
△ Building 7 Floor Plan
△ Building 7 Section
△ Schematic Diagram of Renovated Building
Project Information
Architect: DUTS Design
Area: 110,000 m²
Completion Year: 2022
Photographers: Wu Qingshan, RIF Studio
Manufacturers: 3M, Eternit, Opple, Tatuo Ceramic Tiles
Lead Architect: Zhong Ling
Design Team: Wan Tao, Hu Yingqi, Bruno Rodriguez, Gu Tianyang, Su Jiangjian
Interior Design: Shi Wanggang, Xiang Zhe, Zhou Guangjian, Zhao Hui, Wan Jiayu, Liu Ying
Landscape Design: Roland Landscape
Client: Jindi Shangzhi
Location: Nanjing, China
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