OneSmart International Education: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Benny Ren and LongYang Liu's Award-Winning Design for OneSmart's New Headquarters

The design inspiration for the new headquarters was drawn from traditional Chinese themes such as "yearly higher", "auspicious clouds and dragon", "high mountains and flowing water" and "neatly stacked". These elements were extracted and combined with the space in a way that complements each other. The result is a design that is distinctly Chinese, yet modern and innovative.

One of the unique features of this design is its ability to overcome the spatial limitations of the old building. The entrance area, originally narrow and divided into small, irregular spaces by structural columns, has been transformed into a continuous, visually expansive space. This was achieved by splicing planks into arc-shaped large space art devices throughout the building, which not only gave the building a sense of continuity but also maximized the sense of space.

The overall architectural space adopts a dynamic blue and white tone, supplemented by warm wood color to create an open, bright, and comfortable office and educational environment. The staircase connecting the first floor and the second floor reception area takes a spiral shape, reducing the visual tightness of the whole space and creating a comfortable and warm welcoming atmosphere.

The project, which started in December 2019 and finished in May 2020, was not without its challenges. The new headquarters is located in a century-old building with less than 400 square meters of space at the entrance area, and the interior was scattered with 9 structural columns, cut into smaller, more trivial and irregular spaces. However, the design team managed to overcome these challenges and create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The design of the new headquarters for OneSmart International Education is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Benny Ren and LongYang Liu. By combining traditional Chinese cultural elements with modern design language, they have created a space that is not only functional but also inspiring. This project is a perfect example of how design can transform an old, outdated building into a modern, vibrant workspace.