Yuanbo: A Renovated Teaching Building in Zhuhai

Transforming Spaces for Communication and Creativity

The design concept behind the Yuanbo Building was to create a space that fosters social interactions and the exchange of ideas. The building, originally consisting of 15 separate cubes with two courtyards, has been reimagined to connect the roofs, courtyards, and indoor spaces through a continuous loop of stairs and corridors. This design element not only enhances the flow and accessibility of the building but also creates opportunities for collaboration and engagement among students and faculty.

The two courtyards within the building have also been transformed to serve different purposes. One courtyard has been redesigned as a square space, featuring a resting stage under an original tree, an outdoor exhibition area, and a round outdoor stage. The other courtyard has been turned into a round space, providing a unique setting for various activities and events.

One of the strengths of the Yuanbo Building is its ability to accommodate a wide range of activities. The renovated spaces have become a hub for exhibitions, performances, and even fashion shows. The design concept of encouraging communication aligns perfectly with the needs of modern educational concepts, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for students and faculty.

The renovation of the Yuanbo Building also focused on improving its sustainable performance. The facade of the building features a dry-hanging brick wall system, which not only provides a rapid way to create a new facade but also helps to keep the heat out. A new window casing system has been implemented to prevent direct sunlight from entering the classrooms, improving the overall thermal comfort of the building.

The roof of the Yuanbo Building has been transformed into a green space, offering a perfect exercise area with a beautiful view. By using a continuous belt of red plastic track, green grass, and yellow wood, the negative space occupied by equipment has been turned into a visually appealing and functional space.

Inside the building, an atrium with a glass roof serves as an exhibition and show space for students. The stairs within the atrium have been reconnected, creating a seamless flow between different levels of the building. The addition of the glass roof allows natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

The renovation of the Yuanbo Building was completed in May 2020 in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. The project was part of the Zhuhai Campus of Beijing Normal University, located in the Greater Bay Area of China. The design team, led by architect Thad, carefully inspected the original structure and equipment to determine what could be preserved and reused. Post-use evaluations with students and teachers helped define the needs of the users, while monitoring of the physical environment and software simulations aided in energy-saving measures.

The Yuanbo Building renovation project faced several challenges, particularly in landscape design. The presence of numerous trees on the site, without accurate locations on the original drawings, required precise on-site measurements and adjustments to preserve the trees while creating terraces around them. Additionally, the lighting system had to be carefully integrated into the existing handrails to maintain a seamless and unobtrusive design.

The Yuanbo Building renovation project has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges the creativity and ingenuity of the design, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology to improve the quality of life.

The transformation of the Yuanbo Building showcases the power of design to revitalize and reimagine spaces. By creating a dynamic and engaging environment, the renovated building has become a central hub for creativity, communication, and collaboration on the campus of Beijing Normal University.