Vector Architects has designed the Liyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Shenzhen, China.

Liyuan Foreign Language Primary School is located in the high-density area of downtown Shenzhen, China, where a 30-year-old forest has been preserved within this green campus.

The design proposal aims to maximise the preservation of the existing forest with its terrain, exploring new spatial typologies and innovations for educational architecture in a high-density urban context.

This campus generously creates unique spatial qualities. Natural elements like sunlight, rain, wind, and the change of seasons can all be experienced here in the most tangible way, becoming distinct childhood memories for the students.

Trees, as a legacy of nature, have become a vital method of education. Meanwhile, the preservation of forests achieves a sense of continuity in the evolution of urban spaces.

"On the facade, we’ve introduced an external layer of shading panels using precast concrete," said Vector Architects.

"Widely adopted as an energy-saving device, external shading is an effective method to resist Shenzhen's harsh sun by filtering out high-angle sunlight, making the environment softly lit with natural light while affording good views for classrooms and public spaces."

This project has been shortlisted in the civic project category of Dezeen Awards China 2024.

Studio: Vector Architects
Project: Liyuan Foreign Language Primary School
Credits: Dong Gong, Feng Chaoying, Chen Zhoujie, Zhao Liangliang, Li Jinteng, Zhao Ke, Huang Tianzhi, Huang Xiongshen, Zhang Jie, Chen Yang, Shenzhen Capol International and Associates Group, Shenzhen Futian District Bureau of Education and Bureau of Public Works of Shenzhen Municipality