gad forms ring structure to host educational institution in china

Chongqing Nankai Liangjiang Secondary School by gad

Design group gad constructs Chongqing Nankai Liangjiang Secondary School in China fusing educational innovation and spatial efficiency. The institution is situated in the Longxing Development Zone within Chongqing City’s Liangjiang New District standing on a mountainous terrain. The project seamlessly integrates individualized educational thinking into its campus environment and captivates visitors with its unconventional composition. The concept focuses on providing maximized functionality, and vibrant campus life. The main teaching buildings adopt a layout that encompasses the library and other functions allowing for a more extensive spatial scale. Although constrained by factors such as differences in height, noise, and land use, the design attends to spatial adaptability but also embraces the open and lively campus culture.

outer courtyard | all images by Yi Fan unless stated otherwise

circular layout encloses greenery in dynamic design

The plan incorporates a continuous and well-defined traffic streamline around the outer ring of classrooms to facilitate efficient transitions between classes. In contrast, the inner ring of classrooms features a more fluid and indistinct arrangement, adding an element of enjoyment and dynamism. Merging nature and education, the architectural team introduces natural elements into the campus creating a tranquil forest-like environment outside the annular teaching buildings. A central garden with overlapping and undulating elements ensures transparency and connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Different-sized teaching spaces are strategically located along the outer and inner rings. The outer ring develops a continuous and organized layout, while the inner ring accommodates elective courses and encourages more active learning approaches. The student accommodation building, forming a ’10’ shape when viewed from above, is placed outside the annular buildings. This plan facilitates functional division and streamlines, optimally utilizing the limited land area while minimizing disruptions to traffic flow. The planted areas inside and outside the ring are clearly demarcated, providing a visual distinction between spaces.

project overview | image by gad

The inner courtyard is enclosed by the structure as academic lecture halls and an auditorium are thoughtfully integrated into the environment. The modular ceiling controls lighting conditions, while vertical grilles on the facade mitigate direct light in the blackboard area, adding rhythm to the space. The campus transforms into a hub of activity, offering sports facilities like a football field and basketball court. Additionally, the rooftops of the annular buildings provide a 628-meter-long footpath, encouraging students to discover pockets of vitality through the construction.

when viewed from above, the edifice forms a ’10’ shape

the circular campus blends with the greenery | image by gad

the educational structure encloses an internal courtyard | image by gad

the rooftop path follows the circular layout

the facade applies vertical grilles on the cladding panels | image by gad

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landscape path

entrance

inner courtyard landscape design

isometric view of the campus | drawing by gad

masterplan | drawing by gad

project info:

name: Chongqing Nankai Liangjiang Secondary School
designer: gad | @gad_architecture

project director: Qiulong Zhu

project creator: Yan Wu, Yu Guo, Yuanxing Cao, Siyuan Zeng, Lu Gan, Ning Kang, Xin Guo, Kai Tang, Zhen Lu, Xiangpeng Xing

design team: Qiulong Zhu, Yan Wu, Xin Guo, Yang Yu, Yu Guo, Yuanxing Cao, Siyuan Zeng, Lu Gan, Ning Kang, Lingyan, Wang, Lin Li, Zhen Lu, Kai Tang, Xiangpeng Xing, Jianwei Yang, Lu Zhng, Min Li

construction: Tao Yu, Xiaodong Lv, Zhiwei Shan, Jia Huang, Bo Zhou, Qijun Shu, Jitao Shi, Tao Li, Lianhua Wang, Chuankun Wang, Huaqiang Wang, Changling Pei, Haiyang Liu

water supply and drainage: Junfang Cui, Fengyuan Zhou, Zhen Li, Dan Zhao, Haibin Liu, Yunlong Jiang

HVAC: Yuankun Liu, Xiaofeng Zhang, Luchun Wan, Jidong Xia, Zhengguang Liu, Shufeng Liu

electrical engineering: Lin Zhou, Weihao Mu, Longsheng Feng, Yuanyuan Sui, Xingyue Zhou, Yutuan Wang

construction drawing: CMCU Engineering Corporation

location: Chongqing, China

photography: Yi Fan (shiromio studio) – gad

video: Blackstation

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom