1号教学楼

Did the walls of 1号教学楼 whisper secrets of bygone eras? Let’s uncover them together. Right here, at the heart of Shanghai Normal University’s western campus, stands 1号教学楼. It’s also known as “One Teach,” a true landmark in the hearts of generations of students and faculty. Built in 1955, 1号教学楼 boasts a substantial 9,368 square meters. Its design, both simple and grand, features symmetrical wings extending from the main building. The red and yellow walls and arched walkways speak to a classic Chinese architectural style. In 1956, four two-story annexes were added, providing 1,322 additional square meters of space for over 100 classrooms, labs, and offices. The four large tiered lecture halls, each holding around 200 students, were often filled to capacity. Originally called “Teaching Building,” 1号教学楼 was briefly renamed “Xiang Yang Lou,” meaning “Sunward Building,” during the Cultural Revolution. Its current name, “First Teaching Building,” became official in 1983 after the completion of the Second Teaching Building, solidifying its status as the senior structure. It became a symbol of Shanghai Normal University. The film *Gaokao 1977* held its national premiere at Shanghai Normal University in 2009. Several newspaper photos captured students in the tiered classrooms of 1号教学楼, listening intently to lectures. These images, timeless and classic, offer a glimpse into the past. 1号教学楼 has seen Shanghai Normal University grow and evolve. After its completion in 1955, all faculty had offices within its walls. The school then consisted of only 800 students and 16 classes. By 1956, it split into two colleges. The liberal arts college became “One Normal College.” The science college became “Two Normal College.” In 1957, mathematics classes began in 1号教学楼. By 1959, a confidential meeting of the Party Committee, essentially a dissemination of the spirit of the Zushan Conference, was held on the fifth floor. Today, 1号教学楼’s design echoes traditional courtyard-style architecture with its red brick walls and large roof. Its prominent size and elegant simplicity make it a natural campus landmark. Interestingly, the absence of a traditional raised platform during its construction, possibly due to Soviet influence, led to some sinking later on. Thankfully, ongoing maintenance has preserved this iconic building’s structure and appearance.