Nanhai Primary School
The gap of time and space
This is a renovation project that uses the time gap of summer vacation to fill in the space gap around the campus. It requires the whole process to be extremely fast, flexible, effective while all things come to be highly reasonable and operational.
The orthogonal spatial structure inside the Nanhai Primary School collides with the polygonal street interface outside, which produces many "remaining spaces". Based on this spatial structure, we introduce the entrance corridor, parking shed, folding courtyard & pavilion, fence renovation, etc. to reconnect and activate those "remaining spaces". This renovation not only meets the functional requirements, but also enriches the original spatial structure. In addition, due to the school's urgent need for usable area, we added different sheds and mezzanine spaces at different levels, including rooftop multi-functional shed, roof gardens, reading sheds, etc., to further expand the possibility of space in the vertical direction. These new sheds on the ground or on the roof are semi-outdoor structures that adapt with the subtropical climate and the daily use, and thus create the shadow that accommodate the everyday life without air-conditioner. At the same time, this type of structure also reduces the approval process for formal construction applications. Other renovations include corridors, toilets, facade renovations, etc. We hope to carry out an integrated renovation for Nanhai Primary School at all scales and levels.
Different But Similar “Shed Species”
We learn from the everyday sheds in the Pearl River Delta. They present an alternative folk wisdom of "going with the flow" in terms of climatic conditions, space planning, material selection, lightweight structures, cost management, etc. In the Shenzhen Nanhai Primary School renovation project, we also introduce such a relaxed, daily attitude and method, and released the spatial effects of various sheds in the marginal sites of different forms, sizes, elevations, etc.
In addition, during the short design and construction period, these various scaffolds need to contain similar relationships to achieve the derivative effect of drawing inferences. These internal similarities include space, structure, materials, usage, etc. For example, in the horizontal, vertical and diagonal dimensions of the plan, we weave diverse and similar spatial layouts by re-inventing the orthogonal grid of the original internal building and the oblique angles of external urban interface; while in the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal dimension of the section, we form an intrinsically related skeleton series relatively corresponding spans/beams, heights/supports, slope finding/drainage/structural constraints, etc.
We regard these shed as a series of "species". The internally similar skeleton relationships derive different incarnation and performances in different environments, which are different but similar.
Design Team
Architecture/ Interior/ Landscape Design: Chen Donghua Architects
Chief Architect: Chen Donghua
Design Team: Chen Donghua, He Jing, Gao Chong, Fang Kun, He Yuanxi, Zhuo Zishun / Huang Tong, Chen Lian, Chen Xinru, He Haifeng, Huang Huiting, Chen Boqian, Qiu Zining, Lin Jiating, Li Zikang (First Phase)
Site Architect: Chen Lian
Structural Strategy Consultant: Yang Bo
Construction Drawing Design: Shenzhen Huasen Architectural and Engineering Design Consulting Co., Ltd.
CD Team: Wen Liang, Zhang Yan, Song Bufan (Architecture); Du Huanyi (Structure); Xiong Jian (Landscape); Huang Huanjun, Gan Minni (Interior); Lin Jin, Li Chun, Xian Keke, Zhang Ying (MEP); Long Caiyun, Zhang Xiaodong (Facade)
