Jiyang Binhe: An Experimental School Embracing Quality-Oriented Education

Creating a Pleasant and Systematic Cognitive Environment

Located in Jiyang District, Jinan, the Jiyang Binhe Experimental School spans an impressive 24,462 square meters. Situated adjacent to a picturesque landscape park and overlooking the Yellow River, the campus enjoys a serene and inspiring setting.

The school's design features a main axis and two auxiliary axes, which organize the buildings into functional zones. The main axis includes two courtyards, while the auxiliary axes accommodate various facilities and shared communication spaces. The interior spaces are designed to be pleasant, systematic, and flexible, creating an academic atmosphere that promotes learning and collaboration.

One of the key considerations in the design of the Jiyang Binhe Experimental School was sustainability. The project incorporates energy-saving and non-polluting materials, such as thermal-insulation modified ceramsite mortar for the external walls, heat-insulation profiles, and double-layer insulated glass for noise absorption. The buildings also utilize light-colored coatings with stone-like textures, complemented by a few real stones, creating a sense of calmness and affinity unique to the campus.

The layout of the school buildings is carefully planned to optimize functionality and student well-being. The administration building on the west side is designed with a stilt ground floor, providing additional communication spaces and enhancing the fluidity of the campus. Ordinary classrooms are oriented in a south-north direction to ensure exposure to sunshine, while functional classrooms and the library are strategically located at the ends of the auxiliary axes. Additionally, multifunctional classrooms are positioned between teaching buildings, allowing for shared use by students.

The Jiyang Binhe Experimental School goes beyond traditional educational buildings by creating an environment that nurtures students' hobbies, characters, and fundamental values. The design team aimed to protect students from the noise of the outside world while immersing them in Chinese culture. The campus is designed as a microcosm of classical Chinese academies, providing a safe and culturally rich living environment.

The Jiyang Binhe Experimental School project commenced in 2019 and was completed in December 2021. The design team at GHD Architectural Design Co., Ltd. faced the challenge of creating a campus environment that aligns with children's living and learning activities, supports their cognitive development, and meets their evolving needs. By drawing inspiration from their own school experiences and reflecting on the impact of educational buildings at different stages of education, the team successfully crafted a design that fosters students' growth and protects their fundamental values.

The Jiyang Binhe Experimental School has been recognized for its excellence in design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the school's well-designed, practical, and innovative features that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Jiyang Binhe Experimental School stands as a testament to GHD Architectural Design Co., Ltd.'s commitment to exploring new educational building typologies and injecting fresh ideas into their designs.