Beijing City International School

For Beijing City International School we are designing a new Early Childhood Center. This 90,000 square foot facility, with additional below grade parking and services, is located on the east side of the Third Ring Road, one subway stop south of Guomao, Beijing’s business center. In this hyperactive urban context, a green building approach softens the environment for the toddlers, nursery, pre-K and kindergarten students. Working in section as well as plan, the ascending landscape accentuates spatial continuity by allowing circulation and habitation outdoors from the basement light court off the gymnasium upstairs and across roof terraces to the third floor. Two east-west bars not only form a protected courtyard but also maximize access to south light at this northern latitude.