Located on the south bank of the West Coast New Area of Qingdao, Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA)’s new campus uses rhythmic lines to create an organic living body that interacts with the bay area and wider ocean.
Backed by a 6m high hill which fluctuates naturally and grows up to 33m, the vertical planning evolves into a large-scale curved roof garden. The different space heights mean that the land art is an evolution of the natural landscape and forms an organic life body that grows towards the sea.
The circular courtyard is divided into areas with each unit connected to the classrooms, library, laboratory, auditorium, dormitory and other independent areas. The idea behind this is that art education thrives in a flowing space that allows individuals to reflect upon the environment while developing and growing outward simultaneously.
The scene is inspired by the surging waves of the ocean rising up and the coexistence of artistic freedom and rationality in creation. CAFA plans to use the campus to explore independent scientific research, cultural inheritance, innovative education and social services inspired by the free-flowing nature of the 135,000 sq m site.