Hefei No.45 Middle School Fu Rong Campus

Integrating Education and Community

Different from conventional examination-oriented education modes, the design team behind Hefei No.45 Middle School Fu Rong Campus aimed to create a space where students can enjoy the real essence of school life. They introduced an interactive central spine that not only serves as a circulation space but also houses multifunction rooms and gathering spaces. This design encourages interaction, communication, and exploration among students, providing them with opportunities to exchange ideas and collaborate.

What sets this design apart is its integration of mixed-use concepts. Recognizing that schools are not the most efficient use of resources due to their limited operation hours, the project sought to transform Fu Rong No. 45 Middle School into a space that benefits both students and the community. The school is not only a purpose-built learning space but also a venue for public events and a living space for the neighborhood.

Environmentally conscious design was a key consideration for this project. The school employs passive sustainable strategies to adapt to Hefei's extreme summer and winter climatic conditions. The classrooms are in a liner slab-block form, oriented north-south with open corridors along the south side to promote cross-ventilation. These corridors also serve as sun shading devices in the summer and allow low angle sun to heat up the indoor space in the winter. This design prevents the accumulation of snow and ice along the corridors, ensuring the safety of the students.

With a gross floor area of 27,239 square meters, Hefei No.45 Middle School Fu Rong Campus comprises 42 classrooms and a variety of teaching, experimenting, and activity rooms. The project was completed in August 2015 in Hefei, China, and has since become an integral part of the local community.

The design team faced several challenges in creating this innovative space. They had to strictly control the quality of construction and design to ensure the safety and functionality of the educational space. Additionally, they aimed to bring innovative modes of education and multifunctional interactive spaces into the design, going beyond statutory requirements. The concept of maximum resource utilization outside of teaching hours and the addition of community value was well-received by the local government, school, and developer.

Hefei No.45 Middle School Fu Rong Campus is a testament to the power of design in transforming traditional educational spaces into vibrant hubs of learning and community engagement. With its unique features, sustainable design, and integration of mixed-use concepts, this school sets a new standard for educational facilities.

Image Credits: Leigh & Orange Limited

Awards and Accolades: This design was awarded Bronze in the A' Design Award in 2018. The Bronze A' Design Award recognizes outstanding and creatively ingenious designs that contribute to quality of life improvements. Esteemed for incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology, this design showcases strong technical and creative skills, making the world a better place.