ShanghaiTech University Student Center

The Student Center at ShanghaiTech University establishes its own strong presence at the Eastern Gate of the campus, creating a landmark to welcome students arriving from vehicle drop-offs and public transit, including the nearby subway station. The program achieves a vibrant focus on student life by integrating a rich mix of activities and retail spaces— bookstore, café, retail, student club space, student lounges, administrative, support spaces.  Outdoor gathering spaces include terraces, seating areas, outdoor theater and amphitheater.

24-Hour Energy and Interaction
The design configures a distinctive, elongated “landform” building providing multiple open places for seating, interaction and social gathering—grand stairs, ramps, terraces, outdoor theater and amphitheater. Horizontal and vertical movement is designed to encourage informal interaction and socializing from both the Village Promenade in the west, and the entry plaza in the east— using “social stairs,” naturally-lighted galleries, and glazed pavilions.  These elements encourage a broad array of interactions, from casual to programmed, while the varied mix of uses creates a lively, 24-hour energy.

The clear building massing concept expresses a “folded roof” incorporating an engaged sequence of two movements—going up from the grand stairs in the east to the roof-top amphitheater in the west overlooking the Promenade, and then continuing back to reach the higher mass of the student lounges above the grand stairs.  These two movement paths at different levels activate the building by providing visibility, transparency, and optimal uses of exterior and interior spaces.  A tower “campanile” acts as a marker for visitors and students while providing an exterior digital display to promote student activities.