Fengxian, known as the pearl of southern Shanghai, is nestled among the picturesque water towns of the Jiangnan region. The district’s name, Fengxian, reflects the respectful nature of its people. Yanzi Academy is situated in the heart of Fengxian New City, Shanghai. It serves to celebrate the life and teachings of the sage Yanzi, while promoting the humanistic spirit of the community, which values learning and respect.
The design of Yanzi Academy draws inspiration from the rituals and refined elegance upheld by the sages. It aims to inherit their spirit and promote Chinese culture through architecture. The academy’s layout captures the cultural essence of Jiangnan, emphasizing elegance and uniqueness, with the goal of creating a cultural landmark representative of Fengxian’s new era.
Yanzi Academy functions as a multifunctional cultural exhibition space, encompassing museum exhibits, educational activities, and academic exchanges. From an urban planning perspective, it is both a cultural oasis and a spiritual education center dedicated to nurturing virtuous individuals.
The design concept, titled “The Path of Yanzi’s Transmission of Learning,” is expressed through a sequence of spatial experiences: the Water Garden, Green Garden, Literary Academy, and Wise Hall. These spaces recall the sage Yanzi’s later years in Fengxian, when he preached and taught. The architectural layout is organized along a north-south axis, with key areas including Etiquette Square, Jianxian Front Courtyard, Siqi Shuiyuan, and Xianren Hall arranged in a layered progression.
The architectural details are intentionally simplified to create a space that balances aesthetic beauty with humanistic care. The buildings are clad in white marble with subtle ink-like textures, evoking the solemn and refined spirit of the ancestors. The contrast between the white structures and the black reflective pools forms a poetic ink landscape, framing Yanzi Academy harmoniously within its forested surroundings.
The building’s elongated windows complement the natural surroundings, fostering a serene and pure atmosphere. Their height and placement frame views of the forest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful environment while inside the academy.
The academy’s detailed elements draw inspiration from traditional Chinese bamboo slips, blending cultural heritage with modern architectural techniques. The bamboo-paper ceilings and facade louvers interplay with light and shadow, while intricately carved texts narrate Yanzi’s teachings. This design allows his words to softly illuminate floors and walls, enriching the visitor experience.
Through its harmonious blend of ritualistic spaces, serene Jiangnan gardens, diverse academic atmosphere, and meticulous architectural details, Yanzi Academy stands as a masterpiece that integrates ancient traditions, humanistic values, modern design, and the charm of Jiangnan. It reflects and envisions Fengxian’s urban development and cultural spirit in the new era from the perspective of Chinese culture and Eastern philosophy.
Project drawings
△ Model diagram
△ General layout plan
△ Plan view
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation and section views
Project Information
Architect: Architectural Design and Research Institute of South China University of Technology
Area: 7,839 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photographers: Pan Yudan, Alpha Photography, Yang Mansi
Manufacturer: Kunshan Qingyou Construction Technology Co., Ltd
Lead Architects: He Jingtang, Pan Yudan
Execution Supervisors: Pan Yudan, Yang Mansi
Architectural Design Team: Yang Mansi, Wang Renyu, Zeng Xiance, Chen Guitao, Zhong Yu, Li Chao, Li Kaixin, Lin Lin
Structural Design: Liao Shaoshan, Guo Yuanxiang, Yue Guoming
Indoor Conceptual Planning: Pan Yudan, Yang Mansi, Zhong Yu
Interior Design: Liang Jingshao, Li Jingling, Ling Qiuyu, Luo Yuanyuan
Landscape Design: Yan Zhong, Song Weiling, Yin Shurong, Xie Xiaowen, Tan Yongfang
Logo Design: Liu Jing, Wei Ling, Chen Tingjian, Wu Huiqian, Yang Citong, Luo Yongchang, Chen Yingjie
HVAC Design: Huang Pujie, Xu Yina, He Yaobing, Wu Zihao
Construction Agent: Shanghai Fengxian New City Construction and Development Co., Ltd
Construction Contractors: Shanghai Construction Fourth Construction Group Co., Ltd., Shanghai Building Decoration Engineering Group Co., Ltd
Partners: Yuanse Lighting, Gansu He’e Sculpture Institute
Water Supply and Drainage Design: Cen Hongjin, Zhong Wenyong, Cen Xiaoyun
Electrical Design: Gao Fei, Feng Wensheng, Xiang Dan
Intelligent System Design: Geng Wangyang, Zeng Zhixiong, Fu Wenbin
Energy Saving Design: Hu Wenbin, Wu Chenchen
Cost Engineering: Zhou Huazhong, Liu Fuxian, Wang Jin, Chen Yuqi, Yu Hanwei, Zhou Zihan, Zhou Huaguan
Curtain Wall Design: Yang Jiaqing, Wang Hui
Resident Representatives: Wu Lei, Xie Jianquan
Floodlight Design: Elemental Color Lighting
Panguang Team: Li Shenghui, Wang Xifan, Li Jianxue, Wu Mingliang, He Jianhui
Sculpture Unit: Gansu He’e Sculpture Institute
Sculptors: He E, Zhang He, Mao Yidong
Client: Shanghai Fengxian District Bureau of Culture and Tourism
Location: Shanghai
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