Transformation and Evolution: Renovation of Shanghai WFL School “Transformation is the opportunity of doing more and better with what is already existing. The demolishing is a decision of easiness and short term. It is a waste of many things—a waste of energy, a waste of material, and a waste of history. Moreover, it has a very negative social impact. For us, it is an act of violence. ” -Anne Lacaton, Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate 2121 The challenge of School Renovation School renovation is a transformation opportunity to optimize the space, and it is also an evolution process to carry on the school spirits. School renovation is a tough task for its limitation in time and budgets. Because the existing classrooms have to function continuously during the semesters, the construction time can only be limited to two months of summer vacation. Coupled with its tight budget as a non-profit organization, the existing electromechanical equipment and movable furniture usually have to continue operations during renovation. This project adopts an "acupuncture-style" renovation strategy, beginning with remodeling old facade and public areas as the first phase, and then renovating the remaining teaching spaces year by year through different phases. Facade Reconstruction and Campus Spirit The school building was built in the 1990s. Blue is the school's theme color, as signified by the facade has maintained a blue and white color for 30 years. In order to keep the school’s memory, we still apply the original contrasting blue and white color on the façade whilst adopting a different approach to the main entrance design and façade materials. To enhance the experience of entering school, we redefine the entrance through the creation of a semi-outdoor intermediary space. The L-shape canopy creates a sense of arrival, while the blue logo wall with gradient penetrating effect also demonstrates the spirit of the school that is both lively and innovative. The logistic issues on rainy days that plagued the school for a long time has also been solved. The building facade before the renovation was occupied with out-door air-conditioning units. The integration of the air-conditioning shutters with the façade by integral perforated aluminum panels has made the façade more holistic and pure, and therefore the main entrance in the middle of the long façade has been highlighted. Design Language and Space Color In order to express the vigorous and lively character of the school, we used circles, curves and multi-level lines to create to enrich the public space. The blue and white color-theme of the facade is also applied to interior design as the primary color, while the wood texture also adds warmth to the public areas. Lobby In the design of the hall, first of all, we transformed the diagonal shape of the void into rounded corners to make the space atmosphere livelier. We then applied centripetal white tubes on the first and second floor ceilings, and therefore the logo wall in the middle of the space became a visual focal point for the atrium. The penetrability of the logo wall keeps the continuity of the space on both sides, so that the originally small space appears open and integral. Corridors & Stairs The corridors of the school were often plastered with students’ works. To further address the student works while create identity for each class, blue rounded frames were proposed to define display areas for different classes. The blue rounded shape frames with varying heights create rhythm for the corridor. The wood veneer area outside the frame serves as a partition for the display of works between classes, and also provides a visually soothing space for the colorful walls. The white grille of the ceiling echoes the lines of the hall, while the guiding pattern on the ground brings students into the classroom and adds a lively character to the corridor. In the design of the stairs, based on time and budget considerations, we retained the original stainless steel handrails and reconnected the handrails with wood veneers to make the handrails and wall style more integrated. The side walls of the stairs also function as display wall for student works. Multi-function Hall The multi-function hall were intensively occupied by performance events and indoor sports activities, and therefore the space has to be open and flexible. The checkerboard-shaped soft film ceiling design echoes the large windows as well as to create vibrant image of the hall. The design language of the ceiling extends to the wall, forming a series of framed scenes. The image within the frame can be the scenery outside the window or the school slogan. The seats are integrated into the window frame design to strengthen the spatial integrity and solve the hidden safety hazards caused by the prominent seat. The overall spatial atmosphere emphasizes the solemnity of the performance hall, while maintaining the liveliness when used as a sports function.