2023 MUSE Design Award · Silver Award
Create with wisdom, build with clouds, become the architect of the campus, and craft diverse learning environments.
This project is situated in the Xinxi area of Donghai New City, Longhu District, Shantou City, Guangdong Province. It lies adjacent to Xinjin River Qiaoyun Park and is near the coastline. The development includes a kindergarten and a nine-year integrated school, designed to accommodate 54 classes.
△ Aerial view of Zhongyang School and Shantou Central Kindergarten
The primary and secondary schools, along with the kindergarten, occupy separate yet adjacent irregularly shaped plots. The primary and secondary school area forms an “L” shape with limited frontage along the main roads, while the kindergarten’s T-shaped plot contains pointed negative spaces. Addressing these site challenges and integrating the design of both the schools and the kindergarten posed the main design challenge.
In the site plan, the school playground is positioned along the main road, while the teaching buildings are arranged along secondary roads. Through a central axis connection, the primary and secondary school buildings, kindergarten, and playgrounds are seamlessly integrated to form a cohesive educational campus.
Design Concept
The design embraces the concept of “Smart Valley · Cloud Valley,” aiming to create inspiring spatial experiences that serve as the core of the project’s planning and design. This concept fosters a place that encourages imagination and innovation.
Zhigu Space
Entrance Axis
Two teaching buildings for the primary and secondary schools are positioned on either side of the “Smart Valley” to ensure their independence, while the main school entrance aligns with the sports field along a central axis, forming the prominent backbone of the “Smart Valley.”
The façade features a rhythmic pattern created by interwoven local blocks, recessed side walls and stairs, contrasting solid and open railings along the outer corridors, and strategically applied vibrant colors. This combination results in a lively yet structured exterior.
△ South side of the primary school building
The blend of solid and metal railings, segmented and combined, introduces dynamic visual effects, fostering a unique sense of order and playful spirit across the campus.
△ Primary School Building
A broad elevated activity platform extends outside the standard classrooms in the primary school section, combined with continuous open staircases. This design creates multi-level activity zones that support extracurricular activities like running games and exhibitions, establishing a vibrant “second” learning space.
△ Continuous activity platform and staircases in the primary school section
△ Primary school courtyard space
The primary school area connects to the main axis through raised platforms and continuous public staircases. Meanwhile, the secondary school is linked via an open grand stair-theater, together forming an inspiring “Wisdom Valley Space.”
Primary School Department (left) and Middle School Department (right)
△ Middle School Activity Platform
The middle school’s sheltered playground is semi-underground, with its upper platform connected to the main axis via stairs. This creates a scenic amusement park that blends rest, exercise, and social interaction.
Yungu Amusement Park
Shantou Central Kindergarten
The kindergarten is designed with a fairy tale-inspired “donut” shape, capturing the innocence and imagination of childhood with colorful and enchanting architecture.
△ Roof activity area
The children’s activity space extends to the rooftop, utilizing the elevated area above the multifunctional activity room and staircase meeting room. This rooftop features an open-air theater, garden spaces, and a rainbow track, creating a rich and playful “Cloud Valley Paradise” across multiple levels.
△ Main entrance of the kindergarten
The spatial sequence—from the entrance plaza, elevated lobby, central activity courtyard, outdoor public staircases, to the rooftop activity platform—connects various functional zones, creating a continuous series of play paths through the plaza, courtyard, and rooftop.
The façade expresses a kindergarten scale with a friendly character, achieved through dynamic block movements and a harmonious color palette.
Project Information
Project Name: Zhongyang School & Shantou Central Kindergarten, Longhu District, Shantou City
Location: Shantou, Guangdong Province
Owner: Shantou Haixue Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.
Architectural Design: Botao Architectural Design (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
Design Team: Xu Chenglong, Wu Shaowen, Sun Qiang, Pang Yuning, Bai Baozhuang, Yao Chuhan, Ou Zongliang, Zheng Xiaoyun, Huang Xiaohong, Zhang Zhixuan, Zhong Qiannan, Ou Qiang, Zhang Jianqun
Construction Drawing Design: Fujian Minwu Architectural Design Institute Co., Ltd.
Land Area: 33,348.89 square meters
Building Area: 36,687.18 square meters
Photography: Chen Guiming
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