Located west of Fengxian New City, Fengpu Primary School sits in an area historically dominated by factories but now gradually transforming into a planned residential and living district. The campus is home to an ancient ginkgo tree and a small quadrangle courtyard built in the 1970s. These two elements have been separately preserved and restored as part of the overall school project.
The architectural design of Fengpu Elementary School addresses two key challenges. First, it must respond to the evolving urban space during the area’s transformation. Second, it needs to cater to the daily lives of elementary school students within the building. This results in a design that embraces a duality across multiple dimensions.
The building’s exterior is vibrant and colorful, aiming to create a fresh local identity within this emerging urban neighborhood. In contrast, the interior features a calm and warm gray palette, fostering a quiet learning atmosphere. This interplay between the colorful exterior and subdued interior creates a compelling spatial contrast that harmonizes both environments.
The spatial layout also reflects this duality, balancing the daily needs of children in terms of learning and play, community and individuality, structure and freedom. Two enclosed inner courtyards create intimate, communal spaces for regular classrooms and are situated on the quieter east side near the river. On the west side, more public activity areas such as a small theater, sheltered playground, library, and cafeteria are placed, opening up to the sports field with more expansive outdoor space.
The building’s ground-level courtyard and second-floor activity terrace together create a shared area for free play. Ramps and activity platforms at varying heights are integrated throughout the school, providing dynamic extracurricular spaces alongside traditional classrooms.
The courtyard surrounding the ancient ginkgo tree is separated from the main campus by a newly built wall, allowing the school architecture to coexist with this historic natural element in a contemporary manner. The building’s simple, modern exterior walls frame the ancient tree courtyard, while a gallery facing the courtyard offers a dedicated space to appreciate the landscape.
This design reflects the architect’s innovative approach to the traditional school model and explores how architecture can respond to the complex context of a changing suburban new city.
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: Unparalleled Architecture Studio
Area: 17,960 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: Wu Qingshan
Lead Designer: Feng Lu
Design Team: Yang Jinxiong, Jing Chunwei, Gao Yi, Li Chuanchen
Construction Party: Shanghai Construction Engineering Group
Landscape Design: Unparalleled Architecture Studio
Collaborative Designer (Construction Drawing Design): Shanghai Zhijing Municipal Construction Planning and Design Co., Ltd
Client: Education Bureau of Fengxian District
Location: Shanghai
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