The proposal focuses on cultivating a positive learning space for all users of the new campus School of Medicine in CUHK Shenzhen. This is achieved by assessing the typical behavior of University students: time not in the laboratories or classrooms are largely spent in study areas or libraries. The aim therefore is to re-appropriate the library typology by creating a series of interconnected areas which in itself becomes the library. Instead of treating this as a single building, the library sprawls across the campus, also connecting the various departmental buildings via a sheltered roof form.
Researching traditional Chinese Medicine, the meridian lines are a non physical system believed to be the channels by which Qi, or energy flows. In relation to the proposal, the flow of knowledge and learning is considered to be the life force of the university. By creating spaces conducive to learning and surrounded by nature, the result is a harmonious setting for social architecture; encouraging students of different departments to inhabit a common social ground. Study spaces of different sizes are distributed along the ‘social meridians’ catering to the type of activity: group project clusters or independent study.
The scheme also takes from the traditional Lingnan garden whereby the nodes along the meridian are courtyard-like areas which also function as canteens or activity zones, and the channel connecting all the meridians together is the library.
The roof form for the social meridians is taken from the dougong bracket. This ancient Chinese method uses numerous interlocking beams which transfer the load down to vertical members. The proposed structure is undulating and biophilic in nature. For meridians which require shelter, the brackets are then clad in traditional Chinese tile. The appeal of using these materials and techniques is in reflecting the craftsmanship and Chinese identity in the project.
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