Boxes And Yards Primary School

Boxes And Yards Primary School

Boxes and Yards Primary School is a groundbreaking educational facility located in Beijing's Changping District that exemplifies innovative architectural design in contemporary learning environments. This pioneering project, completed in 2019, stands as the first school building in Beijing constructed according to Passive House Standards, representing a significant departure from traditional educational architecture. The design philosophy centers on the concept of Learning Anywhere Anytime, breaking away from conventional finger plan and cell-plus-bell classroom layouts through a sophisticated arrangement of rotated boxes and triangular courtyards. The 29,098-square-meter facility features a multi-dimensional, multi-center system of learning communities, where each grade level is organized around a central lounge that provides students with a sense of home base. The innovative spatial organization, dubbed A Story of Boxes and Yards, creates dynamic polygonal spaces that serve multiple functions, including lifestyle centers, makerspaces, and cybercafes. Despite budget constraints, the design successfully incorporates playful elements through rotating masses and vibrant color blocks on walls and floors. The project's architectural concept draws inspiration from educational philosophies such as Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences and John Dewey's Education as Growth, embedding these principles within the physical environment. The design team, led by Xiaoyi Ma, overcame significant challenges to transform a century-old institution into a 21st-century learning facility, earning recognition with an Iron A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design category for its innovative approach to educational architecture. The project's emphasis on natural light, ventilation, and environmental sustainability, combined with its learner-centered design approach, establishes new standards for educational facility design in China.

educational architecture, sustainable school design, passive house standards, learning communities, innovative spatial design, contemporary educational facilities

— Adam Dawson

CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'Boxes And Yards Primary School.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=451853 (Accessed on November 17, 2025)"