Teaching Building No. 4

Nestled within the vibrant campus of Tsinghua University stands Teaching Building No. 4. It’s not just a building, but a living testament to the evolution of education. Teaching Building No. 4, completed in 1990, originally housed large classrooms on its west side, each capable of holding seventy eager students. The east side featured a five-story public area, with the main flow of students guided by the eastern staircase. Imagine this bustling hub in its early days, filled with the murmur of conversations and the hurried footsteps of students rushing to class. In 2019, Teaching Building No. 4 underwent a significant transformation, inspired by the principles of constructivism. This educational theory, developed by psychologist J. Piaget in the 1950s, emphasizes student-centered learning, encouraging active exploration, cooperation, and discussion. The renovation aimed to modernize the existing seventy-person classrooms and introduce smaller research and discussion rooms, along with free learning areas. This fostered a more open, flexible, and diverse learning environment. The architects also addressed the inherent sense of alienation that can arise in large public spaces. They wanted to transform the public areas of Teaching Building No. 4 into places where students from different majors could connect and interact. The eastern hall staircase, once closed off, was opened up, creating a dramatic visual centerpiece. The multi-layered, open staircase became a focal point, connecting all floors and enhancing the sense of flow and openness. This design encourages chance encounters and fosters a sense of community among the students. The renovations extended beyond the staircase. Thirteen flexible, small-sized research and discussion rooms were added to the third, fourth, and fifth floors. Open learning areas and rest rooms were created using previously unused spaces, providing students with convenient places for individual and collaborative study. A glass corridor now connects Teaching Building No. 4 to the lecture theater on the west side. This corridor features glass folding doors and adjustable blinds, transforming it into a comfortable semi-outdoor space for learning and interaction, regardless of the weather. Even the standard classrooms on the west side were enhanced. The southern wall of the corridor was designed with light-transparent grafting, bringing natural light into the hallway. Box seats were installed in several areas, breaking up the long corridor and creating a more inviting atmosphere. Teaching Building No. 4 has evolved from a traditional teaching building into a dynamic, interactive space. It seamlessly blends classroom instruction with spaces for communication, research, and group learning. It has become an integral part of campus life at Tsinghua University, fostering a vibrant and engaging learning environment for both students and faculty.