Challenge
Urban density has increased dramatically over the years and continues to rise. This shift raises important questions: How do primary schools in high-density areas differ from those in less crowded environments? As building heights increase to accommodate more students, outdoor ground-level activity spaces decrease. Outdoor play is essential for children’s development, so addressing this challenge is a key focus in designing modern school buildings.
Context
Jinglong Primary School is situated in Futian District, the heart of Shenzhen. The site is compact, surrounded by high-rise residential buildings. With 36 classes, the school building rises to six floors. For older students, it’s nearly impossible to descend to the ground for outdoor activities during the short 10-minute breaks between classes.
Solution
Considering the limited opportunity for students to go downstairs, the design introduces outdoor spaces on each floor. At the center of each level, an open-air room is created, covered by the floor above but without enclosing walls. This “stormy playground” offers a protected yet open environment where students can exercise and play regardless of the weather.
This space also functions as an outdoor classroom, ideal for teaching, demonstrations, self-study, and group discussions. It provides students with outdoor experiences without leaving their floor, while fostering communication between classes beyond traditional classrooms. These multi-purpose semi-outdoor spaces collectively form the micro plaza at the heart of the school community.
Due to limited land, integrating greenery into the building facade was essential. Steel wire mesh was chosen for the railings of these open spaces, enabling vines to climb and enhance the natural environment.
Project Drawings
△ Design concept diagram
△ Design concept diagram
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Owner: Education Bureau of Futian District, Shenzhen
Location: Futian District, Shenzhen
Lead Architect: Zhang Yonghe
Project Team: Liang Xiaoning, Liu Chao, Huang Shuyi
Construction Drawing Design: Guangdong Provincial Institute of Architectural Design and Research
Site Area: 9,173.91 square meters
Building Area: 29,661.53 square meters
Building Height: 23.95 meters
Design Period: 2018–2019
Completion: 2022
Photographer: Bai Yu
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