Yijia Building at Tongji University: A Landmark of Sustainable University Architecture

The Yijia Building at Tongji University, designed by TJAD Atelier L+, is a transformative addition to the Jiading Campus in Shanghai. More than just a student activity center, the building is envisioned as a cultural anchor—an architectural node intended to catalyze student life and institutional identity. With a footprint of 21,750 square meters and completed in 2024, this dynamic project exemplifies how sustainable university architecture can integrate ecological design, spatial fluidity, and social interaction.

A Vertical Campus Inspired by Chinese Gardens

Positioned strategically between the academic blocks and dormitories, the Yijia Building serves as a spatial connector and landmark on the campus's southeastern edge. The architectural narrative draws inspiration from the idea of a “vertical campus,” where a series of ramps, terraces, and walkways weave through the structure. This circulation system forms a continuous spatial sequence, reminiscent of a traditional Chinese garden—inviting exploration through an interplay of indoor and outdoor transitions. The experience is one of spatial choreography, where scenes change with each step, offering a blend of architecture and nature.

Seismic Safety and Modular Expression

Architecturally, the building is composed of a low podium and a soaring vertical tower, balanced by strong geometric massing and controlled modular expression. Clad in stone-like panels, the facade projects solidity and timelessness. Beneath this simplicity lies a complex engineering response: the building uses a floating seismic system with a 2-meter isolation layer beneath its foundation. The structural approach is prefabricated and modular, with over 40% of the concrete components factory-made to reduce construction waste and time.

Borderless Public Spaces and Student-Centered Design

The interior of the Yijia Building blurs the boundaries between functional zones. Walkways are not mere passages but places of rest, discussion, and contemplation. The space invites informal gatherings, reading, thinking, and creative engagement—transforming the building into a multi-dimensional container of campus life. It avoids the rigidity of typical institutional buildings by offering a borderless composite of study lounges, galleries, and performance spaces. Natural materials and thoughtful lighting enhance the interior’s warm atmosphere.

Thermodynamic Innovation and Climate Strategy

A central atrium acts as both a visual anchor and a ventilation core. Designed with thermodynamic principles in mind, the building integrates a stack ventilation system using chimneys and atrium voids to guide airflow. This promotes natural ventilation during Shanghai's transitional seasons and minimizes reliance on mechanical systems. The south-facing public atrium also includes operable façades and a rooftop garden, enhancing thermal performance while enriching spatial experience.

The building's overall carbon emissions are reduced by 7% compared to conventional construction—an environmental achievement comparable to planting 250,000 trees across the Jiading Campus. Such ecological responsiveness sets a new benchmark for sustainable university architecture in China.

A Sensory Journey Through Light, Wind, and Texture

As one moves through the Yijia Building, the architectural experience is enriched by orchestrated play between light, wind, and material textures. Large openings frame views of nearby lakes and campus greenery, bringing external nature into internal life. Light filters through different angles, creating a kinetic effect of shadows on concrete and wood. The interplay of materials, light, and airflow transforms the building into a sensory vessel—a “spatial container of light and wind.”

A New Typology for Educational Architecture

The Yijia Building is more than a functional space; it redefines the typology of student-centered architecture. By seamlessly integrating structure, form, energy performance, and human experience, TJAD Atelier L+ has created a building that embodies the future of sustainable university architecture. Its layered approach—conceptually, materially, and ecologically—resonates with the evolving role of academic institutions as cultural and environmental stewards.

All Photographs are works of Shengliang Su