![County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/1-6.jpg)
County Elementary School by Vector Architects
This four-storey school in Tianjin, China, by Vector Architects has a series of irregularly shaped classrooms protruding from the facade on the first floor.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-2.jpg)
County Elementary School comprises 48 classrooms, a canteen, games field and sports hall.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-1.jpg)
A series of ramps and staircases lead up to an outdoor terrace at first-floor level that acts as a buffer space between the classrooms, sports hall and playing field.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-Schoo.jpg)
The roof is punctuated by three giant light-wells that flood the first floor with natural light.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-4.jpg)
All photographs are by Shuhe Photo.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-6.jpg)
Here's some more from the architects:
Design Concept:
Our goal is to establish a unique place within the school that encourages interaction between the students and teachers through their daily learning and teaching life.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-7.jpg)
The basic program consists of 48 classrooms, a number of special program classrooms, cafeteria, training gymnasium, administration areas and an outdoor exercise field.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-8.jpg)
The design process starts with an analytical research of the spatial pattern of interactive activities, both in plan and in section.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-9.jpg)
A series of physical study model were built along the process, in order to seek the most reasonable spatial and programmatic layout.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-10.jpg)
Eventually the best location of the primary interactive space is discovered to be on the 2nd floor, sandwiched by regular classroom floors, and connected to the skylight through the central atrium, where natural ventilation were maximized.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-11.jpg)
The space is defined by the surrounding special program classrooms, and extends itself to a green roof deck at the south side, which is also the pivot point of the site arrangement.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-12.jpg)
The deck connects to the main school entrance, the outdoor fields, and different parts of the building at different heights by stairs, ramps and bridges.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-13.jpg)
Such a “Platform”, consisting of indoor space and outdoor deck, not only generates and amplifies energy of interactions, also adds visual characters to the exterior building appearance because of the application of distinctive materials and space modules.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-14.jpg)
A series of green technologies are proposed in this project, such as geothermal system, storm water management, green roof, permeable landscape, passive ventilation, maximized natural daylight, recycled material and etc.
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-15.jpg)
Architects: Vector Architects + CCDI
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-16.jpg)
Design Architect: Gong Dong
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-17.jpg)
Partners of Vector Architects: Gong Dong, Chien-ho Hsu
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-19.jpg)
Collaborating Architects of CCDI: Xiaoming Hu, Qiang Lv
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-20.gif)
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Project Architect & Site Architect of Vector Architects: Nan Wang
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-21.gif)
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Structural Mechanical Electric Plumbing Engineer: CCDI
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-22.gif)
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Location: Tianjin, China
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-23.gif)
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Client: County Government
![County Elementary School by Vector Architects County Elementary School by Vector Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_County-Elementary-School-by-Vector-Architects-24.gif)
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Building Area: 18,000 m2
Design Period: 12/2008-04/2010
Construction Period: 5/2009-09/2010
Material: Exterior Stucco, Wood Panel, Wood Louver, Perforated Metal Panel
Structure: Concrete Frame & Steel Truss
See also:
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