In the sub-tropical city centre of Shenzhen, the Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE) by Atelier Li Xiaodong is designed to accommodate over 2000 students and 200 teachers. With a site area of approximately 20,000 m2 and a required floor area of over 100,000 m2, a plot ratio approaching almost five posed a great challenge for the architects in terms of providing enough sports facilities within the tight campus while at the same time allowing for cross-ventilation and an open feeling.
Due to space constraints, the sports program was divided into sixteen different units which are incorporated into the building complex on a variety of different levels, adding flexibility, playfulness, interaction, efficiency and a unique experience across the campus. Sky gardens, in both living quarters and educational buildings, are distributed throughout to provide breathing corners.
Rather than presenting itself as an isolated ivory tower, the architects explain that the complex is open and interactive with the city. With no solid walls, there is a feeling of blurred edges throughout.
Further to this, most programs are lifted on a podium, giving more open air space for activities while at the same time creating a natural retreat in the school. A vertical green system is introduced to provide sun shading and a close relationship with the natural environment.
Ultimately, the design results in an accommodating place that unifies the program and people in an organic manner.
