Location: Shenzhen, China.

Architect: Studio Link-Arc.

The Nanshan Foreign Language School (NSFL) is a 54,000 m² elementary and middle school campus in Shenzhen’s DaChong neighbourhood. Studio Link-Arc’s design breaks the distinction between building and open space by creating a low-rise linear hybrid of closed, semi-enclosed, and green, open spaces. The design uses a three-story bar arrangement of staggered classrooms that sweep the site from east to west, chasing every available square inch of sunlight. The sinuous motion of classroom ribbons generates a fluid sequence of outdoor spaces tailored to the specific needs of each teaching area. The design introduces a weather protective system formed by hangovers, shading boxes, and corrugated aluminium panels, based on Shenzhen’s hot and humid climate.