Collage of Melodies International School

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Collage of Melodies, a proactive architectural approach to expand and renovate the International School of Beijing, aims to motivate this leading K12 school to evolve to the cutting edge of learning environment. Enclosing variety of learning communities adaptable to student ages and learning programs, the expansion counterbalances and transforms the over-unified, solemn institution building to a versatile, dynamic education architecture with refreshing Collage of Art and Music Melodies.

Dimensions & Packaging

Site Area: 133,333 m2
Existing Building Area: 54,087 m2
Expansion Building Area: 11,079 Square m2
Architectural & Interior Design Area: 16636 m2
Building Height: 24 m
School including: Early Year 3 through Grade 12

Tags

K12, Education, International School of Beijing, Renovation, Collage, Musical

Production Technology

The vertical sunshades of building enclosure are composed of natural wood-veneer resin panels and colorful Trespa panels to block out excessive sunlight and reduce energy consumption. The seemingly random angles of sunshades are compiled using software based on a piece of music, while the mixed colors are imagined as liquid paint dripping on the wood facade by a mischievous young child.

Design Challenge

The cooperation with ISB is very pleasant, with our experience and the full communication with educators, the design scheme can be in good agreement educators most of the time. The biggest challenge we meet is that the cost exceeds the standard while each team wants the perfect building space. We try to choose low-cost but high-quality materials to achieve the expected effect. How to achieve the maximum value of the actual building with low cost is the biggest challenge we meet.

Project Duration

The International School of Beijing (ISB) is located in Shunyi District of Beijing, China. The design was commenced in May 2017 followed by construction, lasting for a total duration of nearly three and half years. In September 2020, ISB moved its students and faculties into the newly expanded and renovated facility.

Operation Flow

The project consists of 5 learning communities including Early Learning Community, ES Arts Center, ES Library, MS/HS Design Center and MS/HS Performing Arts Center, each represented by different educators and students, with whom the design team worked closely to establish design strategies together. The collaboration was successful in methods of questionnaires, focus group discussion, design charette, and etc. The designer even worked with kindergarteners to observe their feedbacks.

Research

The first international school established in Beijing, ISB is composed of 1,650 students from EY3 to G12 representing 50 countries. The existing building with over-unified spaces is unable to represent the diversity of students and learning programs that are critical to curriculum innovation. The designers, in collaboration with educators and administrators, have implemented a proactive architectural approach, Collage of Melodies, to transform it to the cutting edge of learning environment.

Inspiration

As most project area is related to visual and performing arts, the design is inspired by image collage and musical melodies, complementing each other. Collage of Melodies treats each small learning community as an image independent and distinct from the overall school and fills it into the existing building framework, superseding it with diversified interior spaces, while the expansion building serpentines with highly consistent colorful and wood cladded envelop, producing a musical duet.

Image Credits

Zhi Xia

Colors of Collage of Melodies International School

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