Xiaoquan Elementary School
ARCHITECTS
Tao (Trace Architecture Office)
AREA
8900 m²
YEAR
2010
Text description provided by architect.
The old XiaoQuan Elementary School was severely damaged during the catastrophic 5.12 Sichuan earthquake in 2008 and was demolished afterwards. Supported by donations from several sponsors, the project is to build new school in the center of Xiaoquan old town.
The program consists of main classroom buildings, classrooms for various activities, teacher’s office, student dormitory buildings, and dining hall. The new school will host more than 900 students.
The fragmentary instead of unified building composition creates many urban like place such us streets, plazas, courtyards, and steps at various scales.
Small-scale playful corners and labyrinth like space as passage and playground are created to provoke children’s curiosity and imagination.
Through this, we also intend to continue the urban space memory of Xiaoquan town in the school building, so as to avoid completely losing the continuity of urban fabric during rebuilding process after earthquake.
The design responds to Sichuan's hot and humid climate. Sunshade device, natural ventilation and heat reduction are important elements considered in design.
We also explore to maximize the use of local resource and craftsmanship which can be acquired.
The recycled bricks from earthquake are used in pavement. Cast-in-situ concrete are used for exposed structure.
The construction is completely done by a local contractor. The construction cost is well controlled within the economical budget of RMB 1,500 yuan per square meter.