Nantong Nengda Middle School is situated within the Nantong Economic and Technological Development Zone. The school comprises 36 classes and spans a total built-up area of approximately 57,000 square meters. A defining feature of the design is its integration with the linear urban park on the western side, achieved through a linear urban corridor that creates a multi-level, free, and open non-functional space at the heart of the campus. This thoughtful approach maximizes the efficiency of internal space utilization while providing extensive outdoor areas for students and faculty.
The site is elongated from north to south and narrower from east to west, with the most distinctive feature being the urban park that runs linearly along its western edge. Early in the design process, the relationship between the architecture and the surrounding city was carefully considered. The main building is oriented north-south in alignment with the site, featuring a continuous form that faces the park and gently bends in the middle, resembling outstretched arms that embrace the city while extending outward.
The entire western facade, which faces the city park, is characterized by expansive eaves, dynamic staircases, and an open front plaza, all reflecting the building’s welcoming nature. Immersed in this environment, as one walks along the school’s varying-height corridors, the park’s scenery gradually unfolds like a scroll, while the building offers sweeping views of the urban landscape. This architectural language uniquely surrounds, engages with, and integrates into the city.
The teaching buildings are vertically connected by corridors, with atriums that span multiple levels, creating a tight and efficient connection throughout the entire structure. Learning extends beyond the classroom; both structured and informal extracurricular activities unfold along these corridors. The openness and unpredictability of the corridor spaces encourage spontaneous learning and exploration, fostering opportunities for students to grow freely.
The sports park, positioned along the western edge of the site, stands as the school’s most prominent spatial feature. Its landscape is carefully designed to connect with the adjacent urban park, thereby extending the urban green space on a larger scale. Additionally, the welcoming and diverse landscape corridor on the west side serves as a vital area where teachers and students can gather, interact, relax, and enjoy views. Located next to the sports square, this corridor offers the best vantage point overlooking the spectator stands.
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Axial Side Model Diagram
Project Information
Architect: Urban Architecture of Nine Cities
Area: 57,290 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Yao Li
Lead Designer: Zhang Yingpeng
Design Team: Wang Fan, Dong Xiaoshuang, Shen Chunhua, Zhong Jianmin, Mao Cuixia, Xu Jiafeng, Jiang Hao, Liu Hao, Yang Zhengyou, Qu Lei, Shi Xiaoxia, Shen Xunqing, Zhang Zhenglei, Zhong Wenbin, Hu Xin, Zhao Miao, Wei Xiao, Li Qibo, Liang Yuqing
Structural Design: Jiucheng Urban Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Landscape Design: Jiucheng Urban Architecture Design Co., Ltd
Construction Party: Nantong Zhongfang Construction Engineering Group Co., Ltd
Client: Nantong Dongfang Middle School
Location: Nantong, China
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