The train station marks the beginning of a journey in any city. On Xiamen Island, the area surrounding the station serves as a unique intersection where natural mountains meet the vibrant urban environment. Jinbang Primary School is situated on the eastern side of Xiamen Station, nestled beside the mountain.
The site was once occupied by grain warehouses and large vehicle yards. With the development of new urban roads, the plot became narrow and irregular, its surface fully hardened to meet functional demands. To heal the damaged land and address the challenging elevation differences, the design team sought a modest, harmonious connection between nature and city life. This approach aimed to enhance the relationship between the mountains and urban environment while incorporating the school’s functional needs.
A branch of Dongping Mountain extends into the city and has been preserved along the site’s irregular east-west axis. It rests against the mountain on one side and the road on the other, naturally following the terrain.
Opposite Golden List Square, which mirrors the mountain’s shape, lies a lush green barrier and a continuous mountain ridge. The design team adopted a compact approach, following the mountain’s terrain with staggered connections. They transformed the steep slope on one side of the depression into a rhythmic series of setbacks.
The sports buildings rest flat against the mountain, facing the city. Their long, low profiles protect the mountain’s natural form and extend its gentle slope. This mountain range serves as the architectural backdrop, enveloping the campus. The arrangement of building clusters balances rhythm and natural flow, with some structures rising rhythmically while others relax and unfold organically.
The overall urban form east of Jinbang Road presents a positive, harmonious interaction among nature, people, and city life from top to bottom.
The new campus complex is nestled within a mountain valley, arranged in clusters with interconnected openings around each courtyard for clear, convenient access. The valley gently ascends the slope, brushing past greenery, flowing through courtyards and corridors, and rising from courtyard to courtyard.
This airflow pattern alleviates the effects of the local humid, hot climate during spring and summer by channeling fresh forest air into the campus. This natural ventilation keeps classrooms cool and comfortable inside and out.
The courtyard spaces offer students diverse options for extracurricular interaction. Children move freely across varying elevations, rain or shine, enjoying the natural mountain setting and the intimate courtyard environment.
The Sunroof building is constructed across multiple terraces, forming a fully accessible series of viewing platforms overlooking the entire campus. Positioned on the mountain’s west side facing the city, these roof terraces at various heights offer both near and distant views.
From Jinbang Road, observers see the school nestled on the green mountain slope beside the train station, where terraces and roofs stack and stagger, creating multiple circular pathways. One can imagine children eagerly running out of classrooms during breaks, exploring the various heights to admire the mountain scenery on one side and the cityscape on the other.
Project Drawings
△ Location Map
△ Site Elevation
△ Master Plan
△ Master Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Typical Floor Plan
△ Sports Center Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: Xiamen Helidao Engineering Design Institute Tongyi Architectural Studio
Area: 19,870 m²
Year: 2023
Photographer: Luo Lianbi
Lead Designers: Zheng Siyang, Wei Wei
Project Manager: Huang Zhewei
Architectural Design Team: Chen Qianying, He Tao, Xu Zhiqin, Lin Shichao, Yu Chenming, Li Mingze, Huang Zhenzhou, Wang Linqi
Construction Drawing Team: Ke Senxia, Chen Jianrong, Huang Xiaocong, Li Renyi
Structural Design Team: Chen Weili, Yu Jinfeng, Lin Zhihuan, Yang Chao, Peng Chenxing
Electrical Design Team: Wang Qiding, Chen Degang, Li Hongsheng
Water Supply and Drainage Design Team: Chen Chaonan, Wang Yilan
HVAC Design Team: Chen Jiansheng, Wang Qi
Principal: Education Bureau of Siming District, Xiamen City
Design Company: Xiamen Helidao Design Group
Construction Contractor: China Construction Eighth Engineering Division Co., Ltd
Location: Xiamen
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up