BIBA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RENOVATION

YEW CHUNG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

OF BEIJING EARLY CHILD CENTER

The concept of Gravity Orchard envisions the school as a microcosmic universe—an ecosystem of gravity composed of learning, exploration, and belonging. Each child is imagined as an independent celestial body orbiting a central “star,” the school itself, guided along a unique path of growth. The spatial logic is grounded in the balance between centrifugal and centripetal forces—between exploration and return, openness and cohesion.

LOCATION Beijing, China

AREA 800 m²

STATUS Completed

CLIENT Yew Chung International School of Beijing

YEAR 2015

PROGRAMS Education, Interior Design

The design aims to transform this underutilized core into an active, light-filled learning landscape that encourages openness, interaction, and flexibility. All internal walls with clerestories were replaced with full-height glass partitions to ensure continuous visual connection across the studios. Wide folding doors allow classrooms to open entirely into the central commons, creating a dynamic learning environment where activities can expand, merge, or separate as needed.

At the heart of the commons, a softly padded stage now functions as both a performance platform and a play area, surrounded by flexible furniture, soft toys, and integrated storage. These elements collectively redefine the central space as a social and exploratory core rather than a mere circulation zone.

Through the integration of transparency, flexibility, and color psychology, the renovation redefines the early childhood environment as a space that nurtures imagination, collaboration, and emotional comfort—reflecting YCIS’s holistic educational philosophy of learning through exploration and play.

CHIEF DESIGNER

Xiaoyi Ma

DESIGN TEAM

Previous
Previous

Yew Wah International School of Beijing

Next
Next

Beijing Innovation Leadership Academy Multi-Functional Hall