Perkins & Will

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center

Perkins&will

ARCHITECTS
Perkins&will

AREA
25792 M²

YEAR
2023

PHOTOGRAPHS
Studio Fang

MANUFACTURERS
China Southern Glass, Haida, Steelcase

LEAD ARCHITECTS
James Lu

LANDSCAPE
Earthasia Design Group

CLIENTS
Wenzhou Kean University

STRUCTURE CONSULTANT
The Architectural Design & Research Institute Of Zhejiang University

LOCATION
Wenzhou, China

DESIGN TEAM
James Lu, Hiroyuki Shinohara, Chen Qi, Zhang Siyuan, Li Jianping, Li Cen, Sun Yanfang, Joseph Huang, Natalie Seah

CONTRACTOR
Zhejiang Province No.2 Construction Group

LOCAL ARCHITECT
The Architectural Design & Research Institute Of Zhejiang University

FAÇADE CONSULTANT
Meinhard Façade Technology


MEP CONSULTANT
The Architectural Design & Research Institute Of Zhejiang University

CATEGORY
University

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG

Text description provided by architect.

The Student Learning and Activity Center (SLAC) of Wenzhou-Kean University occupies the most prominent spot on campus—standing in the center of the main¬¬ axis and interfacing between academic and living quarters.

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG

The light, transparent structure also offers an unparalleled view of the central lake. As a distinct landmark and symbol of the university's ethos, the building houses such diverse functions as its vibrant activity center and the tranquil library, reflecting the transformation and evolution of learning spaces and empowering it as the central hub of student life.

Wenzhou-Kean University enjoys an excellent location surrounded by mountains and rivers—Chuitai Mountain borders it on three sides, while the Litang River flows through it from west to east.

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG

Designing the SLAC translates the culture of “absorbing the lessons from nature” into modern architectural languages.

The building rests lightly on the lake and horizontally extends into the surrounding landscape. The beauty of changing nature passes through the transparent façade, permeating the air as inspiration and spiritual joy.

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG

The design approach aligns with the university's educational philosophy of connecting people and encouraging serendipitous encounters, with an emphasis on transparency as the physical manifestation of openness.

The building’s internal wayfinding links with the campus’ key pedestrian pathways, which now ascend from the base all the way up to the top of the building, forming a "vertical street" that connects the SLAC’s functional areas.

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG

Taking the "grand steps" as a typology, the vertical street generates different types of spaces that allow a variety of activities and social interaction. This experience is extended outdoors, evoking the energetic community atmosphere of the campus.

The horizontal featured plates that expand from the inside to the outside form a concise and clear architectural vocabulary.

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG

As the volumes vertically accumulate, the structure’s ceremonial character is gradually reinforced.

Canopies with transparent glazing are also functional, optimizing the continuous framed view from the interior to the exterior while also shading the building.

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG

Not only does the angled canopy create a glare-free diffusion of perimeter light into the reading area, but the thin edge establishes a sophisticated building outlook.

In the evening, the building is bathed in light, and the transparent façade reveals the activities inside, drawing students in.

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG

The interior, however, is revealed as a rhythmic and dynamic structure of interlaced staircases and functions that embody the spirit of exploration and innovation.

SLAC has three functions: an activity center, a library, and an information center.

The lower levels are relatively public and active, while the upper floors are more private and quiet.

Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
© STUDIO FANG

The three functions revolve around the four-story high public commons, which is the core of the community and provides venues for campus activities, including an auditorium for large-scale conferences, open theaters for flexible gatherings, unique learning steps, student service areas, exhibition halls, and a café that embraces great views of the campus.


Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Plan - First floor
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Plan - Second floor
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Plan - Third floor
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Plan - Fourth floor
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Plan - Fifth floor
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Plan - Sixth floor


Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Axo
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Axo


Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Sketch
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Plan - Site
Wenzhou Kean University Student Learning Activity Center
Diagram

Perkins & Will
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Perkins & Will
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