Designing an educational space requires more than just aesthetics; it must also prioritize humanism and create an environment that fosters respect and inspiration. Fengtang Art Education achieves this by carefully considering every corner of the space. The use of black, gray, and white as the main colors reflects the hue relationships found in pencil sketching, creating a harmonious and artistic ambiance.
One of the standout features of the design is the incorporation of origami. Sculptures and artworks inspired by polygonal origami adorn the space, adding a touch of creativity and playfulness. The stairs to the third floor, for example, are made using on-site arc welding to twist firm steel plates into soft and beautiful shapes. This not only adds visual interest but also ensures safety by avoiding any potential hits or injuries.
The layout of the institute consists of three floors, covering a total area of 490 square meters. The first floor serves as the entrance, providing direct access to the second-floor teaching area. The teaching area on the second floor features open spaces for reading, resting, and business discussions, as well as teacher offices and a drinks bar. The third floor is an extension of the original two floors, offering additional business discussion sections and teacher offices.
The design of Fengtang Art Education is characterized by its minimalism, modernity, and simplicity. It creates an atmosphere that encourages students to explore their artistic potential and provides a space for both learning and leisure. The use of "paper planes" as a guiding element adds a sense of nostalgia and symbolizes the transformation of students from a blank piece of paper into soaring airplanes, ready to reach new heights in their artistic journey.
The project, which started in November 2018 and concluded in March 2019, was carried out in Qingdao. Extensive research on educational space design was conducted to ensure that the design not only met the functional requirements of a training institute but also reflected the school's care and respect for its students and teachers. The loop corridor design facilitates easy movement throughout the space, creating a seamless and intuitive experience.
Overcoming various challenges, such as meeting the demands of parents and students, aligning with marketing goals, and leaving a lasting aesthetic impression on students, the design of Fengtang Art Education has successfully created a space that is both functional and inspiring. It provides a solid foundation for students pursuing careers in art or related fields, while also offering a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all who enter.
Jason Cao, the main designer of Fengtang Art Education, has created a space that not only serves its purpose as a training institute but also stands out as a work of art in itself. The use of origami-inspired elements, the minimalist color palette, and the thoughtful layout all contribute to the unique and inspiring atmosphere of the institute.
Images:
Image #1: Front Hall, 2019 - Photographer May
Image #2: Water Bar, 2019 - Photographer May
Image #3: Corridor, 2019 - Photographer May
Image #4: Negotiate Area, 2019 - Photographer May
Image #5: Stairs, 2019 - Photographer May
Copyrights belong to Jason Cao, 2019.
Awards and Accolades:
This design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. The award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. Fengtang Art Education contributes to improving the quality of life and making the world a better place.
Project Designers: Jason Cao
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer May, Front Hall, 2019.
Image #2: Photographer May, Water Bar, 2019.
Image #3: Photographer May, Corridor, 2019.
Image #4: Photographer May, Negotiate Area, 2019.
Image #5: Photographer May, Stairs, 2019.
Project Team Members: Main Designer: Jason Cao
Assistant Designer: Zhilu Li
Project Name: Fengtang
Project Client: Jason Cao