In 2013, RLP was asked to design an extension to the United International College (UIC) campus, ten years after we provided the original campus master plan. The extension introduced more educational facilities and dormitories to this sustainable, human-centric liberal arts college located by a lake in Zhuhai.
Extending the campus along the existing layout, we ensured that the campus streets were similar to the nearby town, strengthening connections between the town and the university and elongating the overall space. The back-of-house facilities were situated under major event spaces and the student street to reduce the visual volume, while all campus structures are three- to four-storey low-rise buildings placed along contour lines on the flatter part of the site, creating a myriad of semi-open courtyard spaces where students can gather and socialise.
Sustainability-wise, the campus provides a model for the surrounding area. The narrow building blocks are encircled by open spaces and greenery, creating optimised daylighting and cross ventilation. On the west side, existing trees provide natural shading from the low-angle sun, while the lake on the east side reduces air temperatures in the summer from evaporative cooling. Sliding louvre panels make the buildings more aesthetically pleasing while also mitigating the summer sun. Broad roofs provide further sun shading and create a visually iconic skyline. By closely following the contours of the site, the disposition of the buildings creates a corridor for the south-eastern summer breeze through the whole campus. Finally, the green roofs and plants across the campus keep roofs cool and create a more relaxing and pleasant environment for students and staff.
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