In the era of globalization where the cross-border flow of educational resources has become the norm, Zhejiang University has proposed a strategic concept for the construction of an international campus. The project is located at the Juanhu Lake International Science Park, east of Haining City, Zhejiang Province. To its south is the Juanhu Lake which covers an area of 1,300 mu, and to its north is the Wetland Park. River channels run along the east and west side, forming a natural shield around the site.
Project Name: International Campus of Zhejiang University
Location: No. 718 Haizhou East Road, Ninghai, Zhejiang
Client: Haining Social Construction Development Investment Group Co., Ltd.
Client Administration Institution: Haining International Campus Project Construction Headquarters Office
Architectural Firm: The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Chief Architects: Dong Danshen, Lao Yanqing
Architects: Ye Changqing, Chen Jian, Chen Yu, Lu Ji, Yang Yidong, Hu Huifeng
Area: 66.67 hectares (666,700 sqm)
Total Construction Area: 399,231.31 sqm
Photographer: Zhao Qiang
The campus planning breaks away from the conventional planning model with functional zones as the key, adopts the British-style “residential college” as the basic framework, and establishes a functional structure of “college + teaching and service complex + public scientific research platform”, proposing a multi-functional model.
The Campus enjoys a neo-classical style in general, with each group changing slightly, either dignified and rational, or elegant and casual, or even modern and minimalist. It is diverse yet inclusive, and not only reflects the historical depth of internationalization but also expresses the self-confidence and sense of belonging of Zhejiang University’s own culture.
Fair-faced red bricks were used as the main materials for the building’s exterior wall. By constructing more than a dozen of different combinations with simple red bricks for architectural details, the design embodies a new interpretation of traditional architectural language. The meticulous masonry and natural color tone allow the completed fair-faced brick surface to present vivid visual effects. On sunny days, the shadows were rich yet undignified.
On rainy days, the wet red bricks and light-colored sandstone appear warm and calm. The alternating impressions under different weathers make the entire campus seem to have a sense of history since its completion.
All the time brick, stone, veranda, and column are essential elements in campus culture. Redbrick, suitable for the temperament of campus, forms a warm and massive appearance, graceful and pure, and more importantly, inherits and carries forward the rich cultural atmosphere.
Therefore, the architects paid more attention to shaping an intellectual atmosphere so as to echo the campus. It’s the design value and ultimate purpose of the project as well that creates more significant spaces where teachers and students can live and learn pleasantly with great experiences.
UAD
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd. (UAD) was established in 1953. With a history of more than 66 years to date, it is one of the earliest First Class Design Institutes among major national universities.
The company now has nearly 1400 employees, which include 1 Master Engineering Designer of China, 1 expert entitled to Special Governmental Allowances of the State Council, 2 Top-100 Architects of China, 4 Master Engineering Surveyors and Designers of Zhejiang Province, 4 Outstanding Engineers of China, 10 Awardees of the Young Architect Prize of the Architectural Society of China; 122 National First-Class Certified Architects, 81 First Class Certified Structural Engineers, 26 Certified Planning Engineers, and 168 other Certified Designers.
The mission of UAD is to create harmonious environments, a global vision, complete services, and the highest professionalism. During the past decades, UAD has always persisted in creating fine and innovative works, contributing a large number of outstanding works in various fields. Over the years, it has won more than 1200 awards for outstanding design, excellent projects, or research outcomes at national, ministerial, and provincial levels, as well as 18 international awards. Business scope covers various public and civil architectural design; urban and rural planning and urban design; interior design; landscape architecture and landscape design; municipal public works; geotechnical engineering; curtain wall design; BIM design; light environment design; ancient, contemporary, and modern building repair and protection as well as cultural relics protection planning; steel structure design; underground space design; construction project general contracting; engineering consulting and energy conservation assessment for all civil construction projects.
UAD actively and extensively seeks international academic exchanges and joint engineering designs, having cooperated with well-known design companies or firms from the United States, Britain, Germany, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Japan, the Netherlands, and other countries to complete a variety of architectural designs.
Since its establishment, UAD has always persisted in combining design, teaching, and research. Based on the resources of Zhejiang University, UAD relies on Academicians of the China Academy of Engineering and the China Academy of Sciences to support the blossoming architectural creations and the active participation in competitions. UAD was awarded Top-One Hundred Architectural Design Institutes in China, Top Innovative Surveying and Design Company, Top-Ten Research and Design Company in Hangzhou, and was among the first members of the National Engineering Practice and Education Center.
Over the past 66 years, UAD has always adhered to the spirit of “seeking truth and innovation” and followed “Excellence and Perfection” as its quality guideline, dedicated to providing quality designs and services for all sectors of the community, and striving to achieve the core values of “design creates common value”.