Transforming Spaces: The Innovative Renovation of Nanhai Primary School by Chen Donghua Architects

The Gap of Time and Space

This renovation project utilizes the summer vacation period to address space gaps around the Nanhai Primary School campus. The design process emphasizes speed, flexibility, and efficiency, ensuring operational effectiveness.

The orthogonal spatial structure of the school interacts with the polygonal street interface, resulting in numerous "remaining spaces". Enhancements include:

• Entrance corridor
• Parking shed
• Folding courtyard and pavilion
• Fence renovation These features not only fulfill functional needs but also enrich the existing spatial layout.

Due to the urgent need for usable area, various sheds and mezzanine levels were added, including:

• Rooftop multifunctional shed
• Roof gardens
• Reading sheds These semi-outdoor structures adapt to the subtropical climate, providing shaded areas that enhance daily life without relying on air conditioning. Additionally, this approach simplifies the construction approval process.

Shed Species and Design Philosophy

Learning from local everyday sheds in the Pearl River Delta, the project embodies a relaxed, adaptive attitude towards design. The renovations introduce a variety of structures that respond to different environmental conditions, maintaining internal similarities while achieving diverse outcomes in form and function.

Key Structures

• Rooftop Multifunctional Shed: Designed to be lightweight and visually integrated with its surroundings, featuring an inverted triangular pyramid structure.
• Triangular and Rectangular Parking Sheds: These structures maximize space utilization while addressing typhoon resistance and other environmental challenges.
• Playground Shading Shed: Provides shaded resting areas, enhancing the usability of the playground.
• Library Renovation: The library now includes a mezzanine with a minimal structural footprint, ensuring ample natural light and space for reading.

Visual Elements

The project incorporates a variety of diagrams and photographs that showcase the innovative design strategies employed throughout the renovation, highlighting the harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.