Chinese architectural design practice, aoe, is on a mission to improve living environments by utilising new technologies and materials. For its recent development – a world-class campus for Deloitte University in Beijing, China – aoe was awarded the prestigious Grand Prize at this year’s Asia Design Prize. We explore how the campus presents an intelligent education base for the future
A NEW ARCHITECTURAL BENCHMARK
More than just an architectural company, aoe carefully designs its spaces to reflect the vivid, interconnected relationship between an overall structure, interior space, and those that use it.
Its innovative projects are designed to have a positive impact on society, with a solution-oriented approach that seeks to capitalise on every available space.
As it continues to focus on the goal of improving living environments, aoe’s dynamic designs, sustainable materials, and unique approach are a force for good in a fast-changing world.
One project that particularly reflects the company’s emphasis on both innovation and sustainability is Deloitte University Asia Pacific China (DU AP China), one of seven global DU sites and the first independent campus of its kind in the region.
Centred around four concepts – future technology, green sustainability, rooted in local culture, and refined industrial memory – the project’s objective is to create a world-class green and intelligent education base for the future.
In combining both digital and human elements, aoe seeks to encourage interconnection and collaboration for those who use the site, cultivate new learning habits, and support leadership development.
FUSING MODERINTY WITH TRADITION
Combining contemporary technology with classical elegance, upon entry, DU AP China’s lobby features a three-storey space with large interactive screens, creating a sense of futurism.
Encircled by a glass curtain wall through which natural light streams and surrounding foliage is visible, the lobby fuses modernity with nature.
Meanwhile, an installation in the foyer modelled on the traditional Chinese belief in ‘the perfect match’ – which seeks to achieve balance and harmony – juxtaposes contemporary style with tradition.
A large geometric lantern in the centre of the building represents aoe’s modernised interpretation of a Chinese lantern, made of red, double-layer translucent ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) film.
Beneath, wooden steps featuring colour-changing cushions provide a comfortable place for students to rest and socialise.
On the first floor of the campus’ central atrium is the Historical Gallery, above which the Magnetic Wall and Tree of Culture and Values reside, reflecting a link between the site’s history and the latest technology.
AN INSPIRING BENCHMARK
Meanwhile, 40 independent classrooms are connected via futuristic ‘space tunnels’, including the Future Classroom which promotes digital interaction, new learning habits, and leadership development, equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Elsewhere, skywalks connect students with various functional areas, including the Grand Ballroom which houses lectures and events.
The Grand Ballroom’s design, featuring dragon scale-shaped lighting, wave-patterned wallpaper, and elegant carpeting, is intended to represent an intersection of both local culture and futuristic technology whilst, at the same time, radiating sophistication.
By combining historical references in its design alongside forward-thinking innovation, DU AP China transcends a traditional university campus, reflecting how the past and future can harmoniously coexist.
As such, it emerges as an inspiring benchmark for how architectural companies may create transformative, sustainable, and innovative education spaces for the future.
