Deloitte University Asia Pacific China (DU AP China), one of the seven global campuses of Deloitte University, is the first independent campus in Asia Pacific region, and the first leadership and professional skills development center invested and operated by an international brand in Beijing. The campus is located in Beijing’s Huairou District. The main building has a GFA of approximately 10,000m2. The interior is designed by aoe, which also comprehensively coordinates secondary M&E, lighting, interior decoration, signage, green building, acoustic, intelligence, kitchen, IT network, AV, security, etc. aoe managed the entire process from concept to implementation of the project. The design is based on four core concepts: future technology, green sustainability, rooted in local culture and refined from the memory of the original industrial site. The objective is to create a world-class green and intelligent educational base for the future, combining digital and human elements to establish interconnection and collaboration, cultivate new learning habits and support leadership development.
01. Welcome Experience: Space Launch
Stepping into DU AP China is like entering a sci-fi space station.
aoe designed the lobby that combines contemporary technology with classical elegance. The 3 story height space and large screens create a sense of futurism and technology, while the use of silver-gray tones provides a cool, high-tech atmosphere. In the reception area, the “perfect match” installation introduces a Chinese element to the space, balancing modernity and tradition.
The large lantern and the steps below form the HUB of the space. The large lantern is made of double-layer translucent ETFE film, which represents a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Chinese lantern. Furthermore, as part of the smart building, the lantern is able to switch a variety of lighting effects, adding interest and artistic sense to the space and creating a unique visual experience. The wooden steps and color-changing cushions under the lantern provide a comfortable place to rest and communicate, while also bringing a natural and warm feeling to the entire space.
The History Gallery on the first floor of the atrium starts with the Café Area. The walls on both sides are framed with silver-gray aluminum plates, with traditional tile walls as the base, combined with digital screens, connecting the exploration of Deloitte's history, present and future.
The "Magnetic Wall" above the Historical Gallery and the "Tree of Culture & Values" at the end represents a combined display surface and focal point for the Smart Green Campus. It directly reflects the "sense of wisdom, technology and the future" of DU AP China. The "Magnetic wall" is a magnetic field for knowledge and talents, which covered with 2,860 matrix light-emitting devices. This makes it a large-scale multimedia display wall, enhancing interactivity and technology integration within the space. Technically, through DMX intelligent dimming technology, the interior lighting can be controlled in a flexible manner, which would improve the intelligence and functionality of the building. The " Tree of Culture & Values" symbolizes the gathering and growth of knowledge. This art installation combines high-tech display equipment with five LED screens in the shape of the tree crown, integrating technology and art while also illustrating Deloitte's '4+1' culture.
02. Learning Experience: Exploring the Universe of Knowledge
Through the "Magnetic wall" are space tunnels that lead to more than 40 independent classrooms. These classrooms are the main spaces for on-site systematic learning at DU AP China. Participants gather here in small groups of 12 to 24 to engage in interactive learning activities such as group cooperation, discussion and consultation.
aoe conducted in-depth discussion and research with the users to ensure that the functions and details of the design meet the learning needs. Intelligent control system is installed in each classroom. The furniture selection emphasizes functionality and flexibility to adapt to diverse learning scenarios. The carpet pattern design is inspired by the typical natural scenery of China, bringing natural beauty and vitality to the classroom.
The Future Classroom is an independent space designed for immersive experience, equipped with high-end multimedia equipment. The 270-degree projection wall creates an enveloping digital experience, providing an immersive learning experience in an environment full of interaction and exploration.
03. Connect Experience: the Connection between Time and Space
In the atrium area, skywalks lead participants between different functional areas to enjoy the learning and communication.
When arriving at the green wall opposite to the "Magnetic Wall", it is like being in a secret green forest. On one side of the green wall, the foyer of the Grand Ballroom highlights the collision between future technology and local culture, bringing participants a unique visual experience and deep cultural heritage. The silver-gray aluminum plates reflect the sense of modern technology, the Forbidden City red gates symbolize the solemnity and magnificence of Chinese traditional culture, and the Great Wall art wall presents the combination of Chinese traditional cultural elements and modern art techniques. Participants can enter this Grand Ballroom by pushing open the red gates. The space station design elements create a both sci-fi and Chinese traditional inner space. The dragon scale-shaped lighting, wave-patterned wallpaper and carpet create a gorgeous and elegant appearance to the entire space, creating a sense of time and space where the future and tradition blend.
There are two space energy centers on the other side of the green wall: a restaurant on the second floor and a bar on the third floor.
The restaurant, with the theme of the universe and stars, creates a cosmic fantasy atmosphere, and emphasizes cultural diversity and integration through design elements such as fiber optic starry star lights, lamps modelled on the nine planets in the solar system, eco-friendly furniture, and a mix of seats representing the five continents. Green plants all over the space provide a pleasant dining environment.
The bar is a blend of sci-fi and cyberpunk style. The combination of red screen ceiling, gold brick floor, vintage punk furniture and technological lighting create an edgy, stylish and tech-savvy space that provides a fantastical drinking and lounging experience for participants.
The energy supply stations distributed on each floor of the independent classrooms - a series of small teahouses with local characteristics, provide participants with a comfortable space to relax after class.
DU AP China is an institution that is different from traditional education and training institutions. Its mission is not only to impart knowledge and skills, but more importantly to inspire the potential of participants, to promote corporate culture, and to demonstrate forward-looking advanced leadership. The design is closely aligned with this principle to create an exciting space. Here, participants are not just passively accepting knowledge, but are also inspired and guided to explore their potential and possibilities.