Wenzhou Medical University International Exchange Center | Atelier FCJZ
Wenzhou Medical University’s Design Concept
Wenzhou, a city with a name suggestive of a temperate climate, inspired us to envision a closer bond between people and nature, prioritizing increased outdoor activities and specific aspects of living. This climatic consideration was the starting point for conceiving the Wenzhou Medical University International Exchange Center. The chosen site, enveloped by an unbroken canopy of trees, creates an appealing landscape tailored to the context of Wenzhou Medical University.
© Fangfang Tian
Our primary strategy was to promote the integration of architecture with nature. To achieve this, we decided to dismantle the content-rich exchange center and replace it with a cohesive ensemble of eight 4-story buildings at Wenzhou Medical University. Each structure serves a distinct purpose, with separate blocks assigned for Dormitories (4 blocks), Activity Center, Library, Teaching Building, and Lecture Hall.
© Fangfang Tian
Following that, we transformed the traditionally enclosed structure into a four-layered spatial arrangement radiating from the center to the periphery at Wenzhou Medical University:
- The central courtyard (outdoor)
- The air-conditioned zone (indoor)
- The veranda (semi-indoor)
- The area under the overhang (semi-outdoor)
© Fangfang Tian
The latter two layers act as transitional spaces between the interior and exterior, establishing a Gray Space. Embraced by projecting roofs and inheriting the deep eaves from traditional Chinese timber architecture, each building incorporates an umbrella-inspired section with a 10m deep cantilever. Students and educators at Wenzhou Medical University can choose suitable spaces for studying, communicating, or engaging in various activities, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. The expansive overhanging eaves between two blocks create an open-air hall, providing a venue for collective public events such as concerts or sports activities.
© Fangfang Tian
Through innovative architectural design, we aim to inspire students and faculty at Wenzhou Medical University to adopt a lifestyle with fluid indoor-outdoor boundaries, fostering a heightened awareness of their geographical surroundings. In the design process, we collaborated with ophthalmologists at Wenzhou Medical University, who emphasized the ocular health benefits of the natural light environment beneath tree canopies or eaves. For Wenzhou Medical University, we actively embraced the commonly used concrete frame system and preserved the texture of the concrete surface in this project.
© Fangfang Tian
Project Info:
Architects: Atelier FCJZ
Area: 38770 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Fangfang Tian
Principal Architects: Yung Ho Chang, Lijia Lu
Project Team: Xiaoning Liang, Yue Yu, Xiangting Li, Yue Wang
Construction Drawing Design: Ningbo Institute of Architectural Design Co., LTD
Client: Wenzhou Medical University
Building Area: 38770.2㎡
Building Height: 24 m
Design Period: 2016-2018
Build Time: 2020-2023
Completion Time: 2023
City: Wen Zhou Shi
Country: China
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