Huashan Middle School, Boguqi Campus/Zhaohui Rong Studio

Square city. “Square City” is a strategy for buildings to combat the external environment. The entire school is made up of two simple square rings: the larger ring is for educational purposes, while the smaller ring is for accommodation. The “Square City” represents a “localized artificial nature” carved out of the Gobi, demonstrating a strong sense of defense and a determination to protect the interior from the forces of nature. It is an educational city nestled in the yellow sands of the Gobi. Square City’s four-story building stretches horizontally for 140 meters, creating a close connection between the architecture and the boundless landscape.

Courtyard. The courtyard of almost 9,000 square meters within the “Square City” is an artificial nature, giving rise to the “Garden of a Hundred Trees”. The courtyard terrain was carved into a microtopography with a drop of almost 3 meters, adding layers to the space. It is hoped that one day it will embody the scene where “the shadow of the green trees lingers through the long summer days and the reflection of the pavilion casts itself into the lake.” The courtyard opens into the northwest corner, forming an open-air performance plaza.

Power. The continuous horizontal lines and simple shapes have a powerful strength, reflecting the characteristics of the western region and aligning with local construction capabilities. In the vast landscape, directness and clarity embody a natural quality. The contrast with the exaggerated scale of the structures reinforces this sensation.

Masonry. If simplicity is a form of power, then brickwork in certain areas embodies warmth. Important sections of the large plastered walls are constructed with real bricks, creating a contrast with the main building. The presence of the masonry gives the architecture a strong artisanal touch, adding a touch of warmth to the robust structure.

Meeting. The school is a meeting place. The learning center’s four-story atrium is lit from within, with a homogeneous sawtooth skylight at the top. The entire space presents an open and integrative posture. The shared vertical atrium is a multifunctional hall, offering diverse possibilities for future teaching.

The library is the intersection of the educational square ring and the accommodation square ring, serving as the traffic hub for the entire school. The hollow circular atrium opens to the public space, with light entering from the top, making the atrium bright and serene. It is a place to exchange books and the spiritual world. In the coming years, it will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable places for students.

Sunset. The open space on the west side is connected to the inner courtyard through seven huge consecutive arches. These large structures not only respond to the region, but also further enhance the concept of “city”. Every day, students can observe through which arch the sun sets. This is not only a matter of knowledge accumulation, but also a focal point for the formation of collective memories on campus.