terraced landscapes anchor hands-on learning at shenzhen elementary school

"Wuzhou Elementary School is a public primary located in central , designed by People's Architecture Office (PAO) to support contemporary educational models that emphasize creativity, exploration, and experiential learning. The project responds to Shenzhen's broader transition from an industrial economy to one oriented toward innovation by reconsidering how architectural space can support evolving modes of education. The school is conceived as a three-dimensional 'Learning Landscape,' replacing conventional classroom-and-corridor arrangements with a continuous field of varied spatial conditions."

"Interior and exterior learning environments are treated as equally important components of the educational experience. Covered outdoor areas, occupiable architectural elements, and classrooms that open directly to exterior spaces reduce the separation between indoors and outdoors. These conditions support learning beyond the desk, enabling hands-on activities and engagement with natural elements. all images by Yumeng Zhu People's Architecture Office focuses on movement and flexibility"

"The design team at People's Architecture Office (PAO) organizes the Learning Landscape around three primary spatial elements: the Mountain, the Valley, and the Beach. Located in the main courtyard, the Mountain houses the school's theater and cafeteria. Its stepped exterior provides vertical circulation and seating, while a raised platform at its base functions as a stage for performances and events."

Wuzhou Elementary School is a public primary in central Shenzhen designed by People's Architecture Office (PAO) to support educational models emphasizing creativity, exploration, and experiential learning. The design responds to Shenzhen's shift from an industrial economy to innovation by rethinking how architectural space supports evolving educational modes. The school is a three-dimensional Learning Landscape that replaces classroom-and-corridor layouts with a continuous field of varied spatial conditions. Interconnected zones support interaction, movement, and engagement, enabling student-centered learning and adaptability. Interior and exterior environments are equally prioritized through covered outdoor areas, occupiable elements, and classrooms opening directly to exterior spaces. The design centers on three elements—Mountain, Valley, and Beach—where the Mountain houses theater and cafeteria and the Valley provides terraced seating for informal gatherings.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine