OPEN CAMPUS

Tsinghua University (THU), School of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Beijing

Project idea

School of architecture is commonly a isolated place on campus where public access is restricted. However, the study and research of architecture is complex, diverse and multidisciplinary in its essence, which is powered by the interconnection of peopole of different professions, background and values. Thus, the school of architecture should be a place that is open and inclusive, acting as a creative "hub" on campus where ideas meet. By introducing a visitor circulation through the school of architecture, the aim of the design is to create a building that is accessible and open to the campus environment. The essence of Open Campus is the creation of a series of interconnected public spaces of various scales and characteristics, where effective communication, collaboration and exchange of ideas can be fostered.

Project description

Located in Tsinghua university in Beijing, China, the Open Cmpus concept originates with a plaza at the heart of the site, its spaces flexible and function undefined, with easy access from all sides of the site, forming a place where people, ideas and values meet and exchange. Public functions: a model workshop, a library, classrooms and an auditorium can be found and easily acceessed from the plaza. Above the central plaza, ideas from every student in the school of architecture are stored and showcased in a modular system called a "grand model stand". With the idea of "chaos in order", this grid system comprehends diversity to the greatest extent, creates a memorable sapcial experice while forming a monumental space for formal events of various sacles. At the center of the plaza rises a grand staicase, with warm wood finishes, sunlight pouring in from above and lavish greenery, forms a welcoming atmosphere that encourages communication and provides access to the upper levels. Around the plaza, studio units are inserted in a sipral manner, creating flexible space that can adapt to different learing scenrios. Among the enclosed studio units, transparent volumes are inserted as public spaces with various scales and characteristics, encouraging innovative ways of learing. Above the units, a continuous stepped "workspace" is created. This spiral path also serves as the main visitor circulation, separating areas for communication and private spaces for learing. At the western side of the building, a wide staircase rises gently from the outdoor plaza, attracting people from the landscaped area along the river, as they spiral up the stepped workspace, spaces for exhibition, meeting and social activities can be found, with unobstructed views of the campus in all directions. This system of public spaces provides a chance for people around the cmpus get to know the learing process within the school of architecture while bringing new ideas for students and professors that will drive innovation at the same time.

Technical information

The structure of the building is composed of a reinforced concrete grid of 8m by 8m, with cantilevers up to 3 meters. The roof garden, which spirals up the the top of the building, takes the form of folded plates and is supported by a trussed steel structure with glass walls. Functional units are deigned with wood lattices fixed on secondary structure attached to the reinforced concrete main structure. The plaza interface, namely the grand model stand, is designed as a light modular metal frame with wood finishes. The roof of the plaza, with an approximately 18 meter span, is supported by trusses placed in the east-west direction.

Documentation

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