Dushan School Complex by West-line studio

The Dushan School Complex designed by West-line Studio is located in Baiquan Town, the so-called “South Gate of Guizhou” at the border with Guangxi province. Architects based the design of this school complex in order to create a series of courtyards with different levels of privacy, where “listen to the sound of wind and to the sound of reading” according to an old traditional Chinese proverb.

Dushan School Complex Technical Information

Architects^1-4: West-line studio
Location: Baiquan Town, Dushan, Guizhou Province, China
Topics: Educational Architecture, Schools
Completion year: March 2016
Total Area: 73,000 sqm
Built Surface: 56,491 sqm
Photographs: © Haobo Wei

Dushan School Complex Photographs

Main Facade View of the Dushan School Complex by West-line studio

Access and Patio to the Dushan School Complex by West-line studio

Window detail and openings of the Dushan School Complex by West-line studio

Details of the Dushan School Complex by West-line studio

Courtyard and Window rhythm of the Dushan School Complex by West-line studio

Text by the Architects

Dushan Town is located at the so-called “South Gate of Guizhou” at the border with Guangxi province. The main residents in this area belong to Buyi, Miao and Shui ethnic minorities. The complex of buildings grows on the top of a long foundation stripe, 527 m long and 330 m wide. The north area is pretty mountainous and mainly residential, on the west there is the highway and both east and south are arterial roads.

Architects based the design of this school complex in order to create a series of courtyards with different levels of privacy, where “listen to the sound of wind and to the sound of reading” according to an old traditional Chinese proverb.

The simple severe ‘academic’ architectural style always meets these open courtyards, some more wide and open, where to practice group sports, others more quiet where to study or relax, in the dormitory area. These courtyards play with the light creating different environments and iconic shadows. Open terraces and boardwalks over the courtyards create interesting connections and different spaces for students’ different needs.

Materials are clear and simple, only cement mortar and white painting on outer walls, where shadows get strong and sharp. Considering local construction workers lack of skills and a very limited selection of local materials, architects opted for a material selection which could ensure good quality and easy to control results.

Floor Plan

Building A

program: classroom + sports facilities and playground

layout: four different sizes of courtyards (where outer walls create a strong visual and acoustic barrier against the highway)

Building B

program: administration offices + library

layout: high and effective office area + quiet reading space

Building C

program: dormitory + restaurant

layout: different functions are arranged on different levels. The dining area is located in the lower floors, connected to multiple courtyards, while dormitory are in the upper floors

Building D

program: dormitory

layout: quiet and elegant living environment