Xianda College of Economics and Humanities at Shanghai, China

Xianda College of Economics and Humanities at Shanghai International Studies University was established in 2004 by Shanghai International Studies University and Xianda Investment. 

The Chongming campus is located 50 minutes from its main campus in downtown Shanghai. Phase 1 of the new campus was completed in 2010, while Phase 2 has three new schools: School of International Studies, School of Liberal Arts and School of Business and Management. Other facilities include a library and student centre, a central admin building, and an information exchange centre. 

As a goal to provide a campus that matches Xianda’s philosophy – ‘a true higher educational model that’s both global and local,’ the team looked at how the two can co-exist. Studies were conducted on traditional 16th to 17th century Chinese gardens, where scholars at the time spent most of their day learning and reflecting. Traditional and modern western college campuses such as Cambridge and Harvard were also analysed on how buildings and outdoor spaces impact students by encouraging socialisation and interaction. 

Through these studies, Perkins Eastman developed the basis of the master plan of Xianda College, including the idea of an engaging campus. In order to maximise connectivity, a series of arcades and pathways were created along most of the buildings’ facades facing the lake. With the natural setting of Chongming Island and the campus site, the walk within the campus is also surrounded by exterior and interior landscapes. A central courtyard, internal courtyard, entrance plaza and roof gardens have been integrated with public spaces and open views, allowing students to interact and enjoy nature.