Xiaoquan Elementary School

XIAOQUAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TAO - Trace Architecture Office

Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li

ARCHITECTS
Tao (Trace Architecture Office)

AREA
8900 m²

YEAR
2010

PHOTOGRAPHS
Yao Li

LOCATION
China

CATEGORY
Elementary & Middle School

Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li

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.

Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li
Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li

The design is conceived as a cluster of small buildings to create a micro-city like campus.

The fragmentary instead of unified building composition creates many urban like place such us streets, plazas, courtyards, and steps at various scales.

Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li
Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li

These places are intended to encourage diversified and spontaneous activities of children.

Small-scale playful corners and labyrinth like space as passage and playground are created to provoke children’s curiosity and imagination.

Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li
Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li
Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li

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.

Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li
Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li

We also explore to maximize the use of local resource and craftsmanship which can be acquired.

Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li
Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li

Local materials such as wood, brick and bamboo are used for windows, walls, and ceilings.

Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li
Xiaoquan Elementary School
© Yao Li

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.


Xiaoquan Elementary School
Concept model
Xiaoquan Elementary School
Model 01


Xiaoquan Elementary School
Model 02

Xiaoquan Elementary School
Site Plan


Xiaoquan Elementary School
Drawing
Xiaoquan Elementary School
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