Understand the Site
Baotu Spring Campus of Shandong University, formerly known as Qilu University. The campus was classified as the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units "the former Qilu University Modern Building Complex" in March 2013 by the State Council of China. There are two cultural relics in the site, a water tower built in 1924, and an academic building built in 1933.
Design Challenges
How does the building deal with the relationship with the two cultural relics and continue the context of the university campus? How to make full use of the terrain with 3.5m height difference meanwhile to meet the requirements of the regulations on underground spring water protection? How to meet the special requirements of animal experiment center?
Design Strategies
First, being a supporting role, and continue the campus context and texture with the Chinese courtyard space. Study the campus space and architectural features and determine the volume and scale of new buildings. Design adopted the Chinese courtyard space, divided the ground functions into small parts, to show fully respect for the cultural relics.
Second, the main volume is placed underground to reduce the capacity of ground buildings. Through study the technological requirements of laboratory, the SPF lab and breeding area in the barrier environment which do not require natural ventilation, and lighting will be placed underground, to meet the requirements of underground excavation depth and protect the foundation of the existing water tower.
Third, revere life and create an emotional architectural environment. Public communication space was designed, which kind of help to relieve work pressure of researchers. A memorial tablet for laboratory animals to mourn the animals who sacrificed their lives in the experiment.