Stepping onto the grounds of Fudan Fuzhong, let your eyes be drawn to the striking 第二教学楼I区. This isn’t just another building. It’s a testament to the spirit of innovation and a harmonious blend of past and present. The original Building No. 5 and the stepped classrooms were once part of this landscape. Now, 第二教学楼I区 stands tall, a modern marvel covering nearly 13,000 square meters. Its six stories above ground and two below house a wealth of learning and activity spaces.
The architects faced a challenge. How to seamlessly integrate a new structure into a historic campus like Fudan Fuzhong? They looked inward and outward. Respecting the campus’s existing layout, they positioned 第二教学楼I区 to mirror the iconic Thinking Building. This created a balanced entryway and emphasized the main axis of the campus. Outwardly, they considered the urban landscape, placing a tower at the street corner to mark the school’s presence in the city. The design itself pays homage to the school’s traditional red-brick architecture, echoing the campus’s main color scheme. Yet, a modern touch is evident in the light gray brick lines that divide the red facade and the light gray metal that adorns the campus-facing side. This gives 第二教学楼I区 a unique rhythmic pattern, making it a vibrant element within the school grounds.
Inside, 第二教学楼I区 is a hive of activity. The ground floor houses the entrance hall, guard room, fire control room, school history exhibition area, reception desk, and a relaxing lounge area. Students will find essential services on the second and third floors. Counseling services and health facilities are on the second floor. Student clubs and group activities find their home on the third floor. Both levels include standard classrooms and stepped classrooms to meet diverse teaching needs. A stepped exhibition platform connects the second and third floors, providing a dynamic space for educational discussions, presentations, and student interaction.
The upper floors, from four to six, prioritize quiet study spaces, ensuring a focused learning environment. Below ground, ample storage space meets the school’s needs. Outside, new landscaped areas enhance the campus. Flower gardens and rooftop platforms offer tranquil spaces for study, relaxation, and social interaction. Everywhere you look within 第二教学楼I区, you see public spaces designed for learning, leisure, and community building.
The building’s accessibility was also a key consideration. Three entrances cater to different users, separating campus traffic from city visitors. Inside, the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces creates a sense of openness and interconnectedness. A bridge on the third floor connects 第二教学楼I区 with the library building to the south, further enhancing campus circulation. This design ensures that the building serves the practical needs of students and faculty, fostering a vibrant and enriching educational experience. The new building offers a richer learning environment with modern facilities, while respecting the history and traditions of Fudan Fuzhong.