Revolutionizing Education Spaces: Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Aedas' Award-Winning Design Inspired by Suzhou's Iconic Taihu Stone

The Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University, designed by Aedas, is strategically located adjacent to two main promenade axes, with laboratories to the east and classrooms to the north. The building serves as a dynamic gathering place for students and staff, its design inspired by the famous Taihu stone's porous nature. This unique inspiration has led to the creation of a void structure with functional spaces linking up different programs within the building, facilitating communication and interaction.

The university is situated in Suzhou, where the renowned Taihu stone is unearthed. The Administration Information Building's design draws from the stone's porous nature due to long-term erosion. These pores and holes are transformed into a void structure, linking up the building's different programs. The voids allow the building to respond to the users and surrounding context, turning it into a vessel for interaction. The varying heights of voids also create a three-dimensional Suzhou garden within the building.

The building includes an administration center, a learning and resources center, a training center, and a student activities center. The voids allow the building to respond to the users and surrounding context, turning it into a vessel for interaction. The different heights create a three-dimensional Suzhou garden within the building, providing rooms for sustainable features such as the use of natural daylight and natural ventilation.

The project's technical specifications are impressive, with a height of 60.75 metres, a site area of 156,597 square metres, and a gross area of 59,893 square metres. The design team included Architect Andy Wen from Aedas, M&E Consultant and Structural Engineer from Suzhou Institute of Architectural Design Co., Ltd, Consultants from AFP International GmbH, Lead Dao Technology and Engineering Ltd, and Main Contractor from Shenyang Yuanda Aluminum Industry Engineering Co., Ltd.

The design was awarded Platinum in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2014. The Platinum A' Design Award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, genius, and contribute to societal wellbeing. Awarded to the defining aesthetics of an era, they advance the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology, exhibiting transcendent excellence and making the world a better place.

In conclusion, the Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University by Aedas is a testament to the transformative power of design in shaping educational environments. Drawing inspiration from the local Taihu stone, the building serves as a dynamic, interactive space that fosters learning and collaboration, demonstrating the potential of architecture to enhance the educational experience.