London Design Gold

2024

Middle School in Plot 05-14 Guangming District, Shenzhen

Entrant Company

Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co.,Ltd.

Category

Architectural Design - Cultural

Client's Name

Qi Chen

Country / Region

China

Located on Guangming Avenue, this 36-class middle school project spans 55,000 m² with a 48-meter building height. Designed between 2022 and 2023, it is set to open in autumn 2025. The project aims to serve as a key public space within Guangming District's "Scientific Corridor," blending technology, innovation, and green design with cultural significance.

The layout maximizes space efficiency by elevating the 300-meter running track to 12 meters, creating shaded, ventilated activity spaces underneath that function as semi-indoor sports areas. The L-shaped plan integrates teaching and living zones along main roads, creating a cohesive "teaching cluster." A sunken courtyard enhances the usability of the basement level, providing ample light and ventilation for facilities such as dining halls and art classrooms.

The design concept, "Square and Circle: A Cultural Sanctuary," merges modernity with tradition. Rectilinear exteriors create a strong urban presence, while curvilinear interiors foster a sense of openness and flow, reflecting the heritage of Lingnan academies. Inspired by books, the façade layers elements to evoke "paths through the mountains of knowledge," offering a bold cultural statement along Guangming Avenue.

Green roofs transform into "smart farms," where students can engage in botanical research and sustainable practices, supported by rainwater recycling systems. These vibrant rooftops provide a fifth façade that enhances the surrounding urban skyline. The school achieves high-density functionality, incorporating a suspended library with 360° views, flexible learning spaces, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.

Advanced design techniques, including BIM, modular construction, and a green two-star standard, ensure sustainability and efficiency. Materials like exposed concrete and perforated aluminum panels balance durability with modernity, while innovative space organization meets the needs of both students and the wider community.

This project not only provides 1,800 student places but also creates a landmark public space, complete with accessible sports fields and cultural amenities open to the community. It represents a fusion of education, environmental consciousness, and urban vibrancy, enhancing the quality of life in Guangming District.

Credits

Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co.,Ltd.
Qi Chen
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