Introduction

Situated by Mingyue Lake in Shajin village, Chongqing, the Shajin Primary School underwent a remarkable transformation from its origins as a rural educational institution in the late 1980s to its current incarnation as a museum and public service space. This evolution, spearheaded by Yueji Architectural Design Office, reflects a harmonious blend of historical preservation and modern adaptation.

Poetic Resonance with Nature

The site treatment of the primary school embraced the natural landscape, leveraging the existing terrain to establish a seamless connection between the upper and lower platforms. By introducing staggered viewing platforms and upholding principles of ecological restoration in landscape design, the project aimed to create an immersive and environmentally sensitive experience for visitors.

Old and New: Harmonizing Time

Architecturally, the project navigated the delicate balance between preserving historical integrity and embracing contemporary innovation. Through strategic interventions such as the addition of a new steel structure system and the incorporation of a folding slope roof at the entrance, the building seamlessly integrates old and new elements while imbuing the space with a sense of ceremony and fluidity.

Borrowed Scenery: Engaging with the Landscape

The design ingeniously incorporates elements of the surrounding landscape, fostering a dialogue between the built environment and nature. A preserved old tree at the entrance serves as a focal point, while interior spaces offer panoramic views that evoke a sense of immersion in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Context: Legacy and Continuity

The transformation of Shajin Primary School represents more than a mere functional shift; it embodies a profound narrative of historical preservation and cultural continuity. From its humble origins as a rural educational institution to its current role as a repository of wartime history, the school’s evolution reflects the enduring spirit of its surroundings.

Outlook: Modernity in Tradition

The project underscores the transformative potential of education and architecture in rural communities. By preserving physical spaces and cultivating memory, the initiative not only honors the past but also lays the groundwork for a more vibrant and sustainable future, where the interplay between tradition and modernity serves as a catalyst for change.