Venue and Location
Shenzhen, China’s first special economic zone, serves as a gateway to the country’s reform and opening-up initiatives and is a rapidly growing immigrant city. It has evolved into a modern international metropolis with considerable influence. Nanshan District stands at the heart of Shenzhen’s science, education, and sports sectors. It hosts Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University City, Shenzhen High-tech Industrial Park, and Shenzhen Bay Sports Center.
The project is located in Xili University City within Nanshan District, an important hub for Shenzhen’s science and education development.
The site covers 23,977.46 square meters. To the west lies Shenzhen University General Hospital, the Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is to the east, the Supercomputing Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to the north, and a large river runs along the southern boundary. The area is surrounded by several campuses, creating a vibrant educational atmosphere. Nearby, to the west, is Xili Golf, a significant urban green space.
The west and east sides of the project are bordered by mid-rise buildings between 25 and 50 meters tall, while the north side features an 80-meter Supercomputing Center and two 70-meter dormitory buildings.
Concept and Reflections
Situated in Nanshan University Town, the school benefits from abundant educational resources and a strong academic atmosphere. The affiliated experimental school of Southern University of Science and Technology leverages the resources of the university’s education group to develop a progressive, experimental, and humanistic nine-year continuous education model.
With a focus on technology, international perspectives, and STEAM teaching, the campus integrates a sense of futurism and technological innovation through architectural design and courtyard spaces.
Xinghai Sailing: Through architectural design, a well-organized north-south sequence of buildings unfolds along the scientific research path, resembling a white sailboat ready to set sail on a vast starry sea among hundreds of ships.
This symbolizes the boundless sea of knowledge, where students embark on their life journey, braving challenges and navigating toward distant horizons. It also reflects the spirit of the Southern University of Science and Technology Affiliated Experimental School—fearless in the face of difficulties, courageous in innovation, and always striving for excellence.
Following in-depth discussions with the school and principal, along with visits to other institutions, the design incorporates the STEAM teaching philosophy with a central teaching axis named “Shuyuan Street.” This axis connects various sunken courtyards and diverse teaching spaces, which act as individual cells in an educational ecosystem.
Each space offers independence while linking to others through the main thread, sparking dynamic interactions and meaningful exchanges. This network of courtyards blends nature with engaging learning environments, creating a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere for students.
Design and Strategy
The project spans 23,977.46 square meters with a total built-up area of 71,816 square meters. This includes 47,685 square meters of space dedicated to capacity and 24,131 square meters for non-capacity areas, resulting in a floor area ratio of 1.99.
Designed for 63 classrooms, the campus provides 2,940 new school places, accommodating 1,890 primary school students and 1,050 secondary school students.
The elevated first floor introduces a ‘grassroots’ concept. Given Shenzhen’s high-density school environment, this raised platform not only supports ancillary functions but also creates vibrant communal spaces for gathering and interaction.
This elevated area forms a diverse, engaging, and weather-protected gray space, adaptable with various flooring and amenities to support extracurricular activities for younger students. It also includes rest platforms and natural courtyard spaces, offering rich spatial experiences.
The elevated design enhances the underground space experience by integrating it seamlessly with the areas above. Each courtyard is encircled by functionally themed spaces, and the interconnected courtyards form a unique network that balances independence with necessary connectivity.
Natural light is introduced to the underground areas through “underground courtyards,” while lush greenery creates an inviting environment where students can learn, embrace nature, and grow healthily under natural sunlight. The alternating rest platforms and courtyard spaces further enrich the spatial experience.
Looking ahead, the campus aims to emphasize children’s natural development by seamlessly integrating the natural environment within the campus design. Each child will have their own unique and dedicated space, divided by classes or groups for learning and hands-on activities.
Every student becomes a steward of their green space, supporting teachers in scenario-based teaching and fostering closer connections between children and nature.
The campus entrance serves as a vital focal point. After thorough consultation with the fire department, a semi-enclosed, semi-open transitional area was designed to balance campus security, zoning, waiting areas, and landscape features. This creates an inviting, secure, and dynamic entry space.
The entrance also features well-designed signage walls and landscaping, reinforcing the campus’s welcoming image through an interplay of solid walls.
The project’s quality and detailed design took five years to complete, overcoming challenges including the demolition of the current Human Brain Research Center, phased discussions, and work suspensions due to the pandemic.
Despite numerous obstacles, the first phase was successfully delivered through the combined efforts of the design team, management, and construction partners.
Work resumed in stages in 2021 after a temporary halt. The project showcased the advantages of general contracting, with close collaboration across disciplines including architecture, landscape, interior design, lighting, and curtain wall engineering, providing a strong foundation for project success.
Paint colors and perforated curtain wall textures were carefully selected through extensive on-site sampling. Lighting details were meticulously researched to achieve the most effective presentation.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
Project Information
Architect: Shenzhen Cube Architectural Design Consulting Co., Ltd
Area: 72,667 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photography: Arhat Photography Studio, Shenzhen
Lead Architect: Qiu Huikang
Design Team: Qiu Huikang, Fan Chunqing, Qin Ling, Wang Qiyang, Bao Haibo, Hu Gaowei, Zhang Rui, Chen Sheng, Wang Tianming
Architectural Design Team: Deng Chuntao, Lu Xiaohui, Zhu Yuanfu, Pan Zhenyu, Tian Hang, Ma Zhiqiang, Zhu Quanhui, Yang Yanmei, Wang Huaiyue, Ning Qiuyan, Yang Xiuli
Structural Design Team: Bao Weidong, Chen Jing, Wang Weixiang, Ye Tingting, Zheng Haibin, Liu Changlin
Electrical Design Team: Gu Wenying, Shi Zilu, Liu Linrong, Xiang Ying, Ou Wenyan, Yao Zijian
HVAC Design Team: Hu Yang, Zhou Feng, Luo Qiuming
Interior Design Team: He Peng, Xiong Fen, Xiao Yanling, Huang Lei, Wang Hua, Wang Shan, Liu Xiaolong, Fu Yanan, Gong Yuting
Water Supply and Drainage Design Team: Cai Xingde, Ding Manqiang
Landscape Design Team: Li Huafeng, Liao Dingguo, Li Kunkun, Jiang Peijun, Song Fulai, Luo Guangyu, Chen Zhimin, Chen Da, Liu Daju, Guo Xiaoting, Jin Xiaolu
Green Building and Sponge Design Team: Chen Wenming, Han Ming, Shi Liang
Exterior Decoration Design Team: Zhang Yuanlei
Client: Nanshan District Construction and Engineering Bureau, Shenzhen
Construction Agency: Hainan CITIC Urban Development and Operation Co., Ltd
School Design Collaboration: Southern University of Science and Technology Affiliated Education Group
Cooperating Units: Shenzhen Jintian Lighting Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Qingze Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Machinery Institute Architectural Design Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Power Group Design Consultant Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Zongtang Technology Development Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Yilu Planning and Design Consulting Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Jiechu Kitchen Equipment Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Ruilei Interior Design Co., Ltd., Shendu Design Group Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Branch
Location: Shenzhen
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