Xinwu Wenbo Experimental Middle School in Wuxi

Xinwu Wenbo Experimental Middle School is a high-density expansion project constructed on a reserved plot of Taishan Road Experimental Primary School. The 26,500 ㎡ site accommodates a 30+3 class configuration with 23,000 ㎡ of above-ground floor area. The project addresses underground student pick-up/drop-off systems for both schools and fulfills the requirement of public use of sports facilities, adopting an expansion logic that integrates new and existing structures under high-density floor area ratio constraints.

The project extends the primary school's "fishbone" layout by adding four new "fishbone" wings, expanding the three semi-enclosed courtyards formed by the primary school's four rows of classroom buildings and enhancing their inter-connectivity. A library is positioned at the campus center, while new and old administrative buildings enclose the main entrance plaza. To the east, a “stacked design” combines the canteen, auditorium, covered sports hall, and athletic field into a multi-level structure, incorporating a 200-meter running track and a 100-meter straight sprint track to meet physical education needs.

The "Stacked Campus" strategy effectively resolves the shortage of outdoor activity space. The elevated sports field allows quick student access during breaks, while the space underneath naturally extends the covered playground functionality. Positioning the covered basketball courts beneath the elevated field reduces the overall structure height, creating an urban-friendly architectural scale. The eastern elevated zone incorporates secondary entrances and underground pick-up points, with perimeter fencing enabling after-hours public access.

To address existing pedestrian-vehicle conflicts around the primary school, a comprehensive underground pick-up/drop-off system was implemented. The fully underground garage features dedicated access ramps and a three-lane pick-up island, adding 420 parking spaces. A 15-meter setback from the northern site boundary provides non-motorized vehicle parking. A secured checkpoint with a landmark tower and a 5.5-meter-wide staircase connects directly to the underground transfer hall. Students move orderly through independent staircases and access gates in the elevated ground floors, achieving complete pedestrian-vehicle separation.

Rooted in the original context, the new campus creates multi-dimensional connections and shared spaces between old and new structures through plazas, courtyards, corridors, and grand staircases, forming an organically integrated complex.