Nestled amidst the uniform rows of block apartments, Huizhen High School stands out as a beacon of positivity in Ningbo city, recently receiving acclaim as the World Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Singapore. In a departure from the decades of uninspiring school constructions influenced by both a thriving modern property market and a rigid communist history, this innovative school defies convention.
Designed by Approach Design Studio, situated in Hangzhou, in collaboration with the Zhejiang University of Technology and Engineering, Huizhen High School challenges the conventional boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. Its architectural brilliance lies in a harmonious blend of treehouse-like rooms and corridors that seamlessly connect open-air areas, including a lecture hall and study spaces.
In a nation where the relentless pursuit of educational excellence coexists with classrooms accommodating as many as 60 students, the significance of a welcoming and refreshing design cannot be overstated. The prevailing trend of decades past had left school constructions devoid of any aesthetic appeal, characterized by amorphous, grey structures. However, Huizhen High School breaks this mold, offering a design that not only captivates the eye but also addresses the societal pressures associated with academic achievement.
The accolade of World Building of the Year at the WAF places Huizhen High School in a distinguished league, surpassing notable contenders such as Newark Liberty International Airport’s recently opened Terminal A, Australia’s Holocaust Museum in Melbourne, and new national stadiums in Cambodia and Senegal. This recognition, coupled with the distinction of being the best school, solidifies Huizhen High School’s position as a groundbreaking architectural masterpiece, redefining the landscape of educational institutions in China and beyond.
“Our focus was not just about designing a school, or working with new forms, spaces, materials, and facades, but about designing new school life and bringing the power of nature into the building,” said Di Ma, director at Approach Design Studio and the Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group, in a statement made.
Approach emphasizes that although the national standardization of teaching aims for efficiency, the school’s spaces serve a dual purpose: not only to facilitate learning but also to provide students with opportunities to alleviate stress, harmonize their body and mind, and appreciate beauty. This occurs both within the classroom, where the integration of trees with concrete blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments.
The prestigious WAF World Building of the Year award, assessed through 18 distinct criteria by a panel of 140 experts, stands as a pinnacle in the field of architecture. This accolade is a recognition of excellence and innovation in architectural design.
In the previous year, Sydney’s Quay Towers secured this esteemed title, showcasing a remarkable approach to construction. Instead of being demolished, the towers underwent an “upcycling” process, resulting in a new and impressive structure at half the cost. This innovative method not only demonstrated fiscal prudence but also contributed significantly to environmental sustainability by preventing the release of thousands of tons of CO2 emissions that would have resulted from traditional demolition practices.
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