Shenzhen Longyuan: A School Design That Harmonizes with Nature

Kevin Hu and Zhong Qiao's Innovative Approach to School Architecture

In an era where urban space juxtaposition and open teaching systems are replacing traditional education, the challenge lies in creating a school that meets the requirements of this new age. Kevin Hu and Zhong Qiao, the designers behind Shenzhen Longyuan School, have risen to this challenge, creating a comprehensive nine-year campus that serves the surrounding residential people in Longgang, Shenzhen, China. The design, inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, blends functionality with a nature-friendly environment.

The uniqueness of the Shenzhen Longyuan School lies in its layout and design. Despite a plot ratio of 1.24, the designers have managed to create a space that meets the functional needs of 3,360 students in 72 classes. The challenge was to layout the teaching space to meet the needs of both traditional and open teaching in such a narrow space. The solution was a L-shaped layout in the architectural plan, ensuring appropriate lighting and forming courtyards with different styles.

The school's design is inspired by the combination of corridors and alleys in traditional Chinese architecture. The full use of space has resulted in colorful outdoor learning, living, and interactive spaces. The designers have managed to create a unique green valley in the corner of urban high buildings, bringing nature closer to the students.

One of the standout features of the school is the social corridor that runs through the entire campus space, acting as a partition between the teaching area and sports area. This corridor, dubbed the "Dreamy Passageway," connects five different color masses - the Golden Forum, Wooden Stage, Water Sound Room, Fire Painting Pavilion, and Earth Workshop. This design not only enriches the corridor's space morphology but also reduces the interference of the stadium with the teaching area.

The school's interior design also stands out, with wooden desks and chairs in the interest classroom matched with wooden stairs, creating a warm and cozy environment. The aluminum sheets for the ceiling have joints, which increases the sound absorption effect. The administrative building lobby combines environmentally friendly materials such as aluminum sheet, aluminum rectangular tube, and artificial stone, adding a fresh and vibrant atmosphere to the interior.

Shenzhen Longyuan School's design has not gone unnoticed. It was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. It is a testament to the hard work and creativity of Kevin Hu and Zhong Qiao and their design team.

In conclusion, the Shenzhen Longyuan School is a testament to the possibilities of innovative design in education. It is a school that not only meets the functional needs of its students but also creates a nature-friendly environment that enriches the learning experience.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Kevin Hu
Image Credits: Wu Qingshan
Project Team Members: Interior Design: H DESIGN Design Team: Hu Kun, Zhang Wei, Zhang Min, Rachel Guo, Zhou Fulong, Dan Peng, Qin Qinsong, Ye Suhang Architecture Design: ZHUBO Design-AAO Design Team: Zhong Qiao, John Siu, Li Yisheng, Cao Taiming, Qu Yu, Zhu Huanhuan, Chen Pu, Li Zhuangwei, Zhong Hanlu, Chen Zhuo
Project Name: Shenzhen Longyuan
Project Client: Kevin Hu


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