Lakeshore Learning Center: Revitalizing an Abandoned Campus Area

A Dynamic Public Place in the Heart of Beijing Normal University's Zhuhai Campus

The Lakeshore Learning Center is a campus area renovation project located in the beautiful valley university of Beijing Normal University's Zhuhai campus. In the center of the campus, two unfinished buildings had stood for decades, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding landscapes. THAD took on the challenge of renovating these buildings and activating the surrounding environment, ultimately turning the entire abandoned area into a dynamic public place.

During the renovation process, THAD preserved the structures of the two unfinished buildings. To harmonize with the southern climate and landscape features, light-colored ceramic panels and glass curtain walls were used. The design also incorporated roof overhangs and double skins to create a sunshade system, improving the indoor environment. Through ventilation software simulation, the windows and exterior landscapes were optimized to create a pleasant indoor and outdoor wind environment.

The Lakeshore Learning Center spans an area of 899 square meters. The design team, led by architect Wei Zhang, included members such as Haiyang Huang, Jingxian Zhao, Xiaoqian Zhang, Mingcheng Cai, Sisi Liang (site plan), and Xiangyi Li (landscape). The project was completed in November 2019 in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.

One of the key challenges faced by THAD was integrating the buildings with the surrounding environment. The original buildings were disconnected from their surroundings, so the design team used unified materials and modulus to create a cohesive whole. The height of the buildings was carefully controlled to maintain views of the landscape from the lake in the campus center. Additionally, the volume of the buildings facing the main campus road was reduced, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the valley environment.

The Lakeshore Learning Center not only revitalizes an abandoned area but also addresses safety concerns. The project preserved existing vegetation to create landscape nodes and transformed steep slopes along the lakeshore into small plazas at different elevations. To mitigate the impact of typhoons, the discharge channel was dredged during the lakeshore reconstruction, and landscape walls were strategically placed to prevent tree collapse during strong winds.

The Lakeshore Learning Center, designed by THAD, has received recognition for its innovative approach. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through the integration of art, science, design, and technology.