TAO (Trace Architecture Office)
Founded in 2009 Beijing
Founder Hua Li
Project conception 2014-2016
Construction 2015.8-2018.2
Location Haikou Hainan
Site area 14108 sqm
Floor area 19020 sqm
Architect Hua Li
Photo by Schran Images
Courtesy TAO
www.t-a-o.cn
@taoarchitects
迹.建筑事务所
2009年成立于北京
创始人华黎
海口寰岛实验学校初中部
项目设计时间2014至2016年
施工时间2015年8月至2018年2月
位于海南海口
基地面积14108平方米
建筑面积19020平方米
建筑师华黎
摄影是然建筑摄影
图片来自迹.建筑事务所
Huandao Middle School
Schooling in China consists of three years of kindergarten, six years of primary school, three years of middle school, three years of high school and four years of university bachelor education.
The six years of middle and high school is the most critical period for students. Because of the selection mechanism of high school and university entrance. The score is the only aim. Students are taught to memorize the knowledge, instead of inquiring, exploring, questioning or creating. School life is monotonous and militarised. Students are anxious, stressed, have poor eyesight, lack of confidence, creativity and life skills.
Regarding the architecture of schools,it is almost the same everywhere in the country, which is standardised and rigid.
TAO (Trace Architecture Office) designed the Huandao Middle School, located in Haikou, the capital city of Hainan province, which is the biggest island, in the south of China. The design of the school aims to create a nurturing environment where to celebrate creativity and interaction rather than the exam-oriented education system.
The school building has a large number of elevated spaces which open up the ground floor, provides shading and natural ventilation, as the climate in Hainan is tropical and humid.
The central courtyard is enclosed by 14 meters high colonnade. It’s a playground for students, also it is used for ceremonies, gatherings and collective activities.
The long corridors are connecting different floors, students can run, stay there chatting, gather together, etc.
There are also many small balconies, offer a gathering space for small groups, where they can discuss or observe the central courtyard.
The building is mainly in an all-white appearance, except the tower with rich colours. The architect calls it “Secret Tower”. As adolescents need a space to be alone and have some secrets. The vivid colours can only be seen from the inside. The natural light enters from the top, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
The architecture of school needs to satisfy the various needs of its users. There should be serious places to teach and learn, as well as funny spaces to play and relax. It should be a free place to liberate children’s mind and nature, also be an interesting place to stimulate imagination and creativity.
