Thriving

Renovation and Gate for Shanxi Electric Power Technical College

This project comprises the facade renovation of two existing buildings and the construction of a new school gate. The client aimed to create a dynamic exterior through modest renovation, while desiring a futuristic aesthetic for the new gate. The facade design uses vibrant colors, whereas the gate features lightness. The design concept of gate is derived from growth. The seed shaped opening on canopy, the forest of decorative slender columns beneath, and the mirrored soffit collectively create an imagery of 'growing towards the sky.

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Thriving by Shimu Wang

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Renovation and Gate by Shimu Wang

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Shimu Wang Renovation and Gate

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Unique Properties

Aluminum panels finished with bright-colored paint are used for facade detailing, which enhance the rhythm of the elevation and conceal the messy equipment and cables at the same time. Besides, the gate organically connects the two buildings of different heights. This gate also becomes a view frame for the main campus building. Design adopts the imagery of 'growth', conveying the wish that students will take root and thrive in their future careers , just like seeds reaching for the sky.

Tags

Modest renovation, Coherence, Rhythm, Vibrant colors, Lightness, Airy, Futuristic aesthetic

Production Technology

Standing at 14.7 meters high, the gate was required to be majestic yet airy. To ensure the gate is visually lightweight, mirror stainless steel panels are chose to clad the main steel structure. The decorative, slender columns surrounding the main steel structure are made of stainless steel pipes finished with silver fluorocarbon paint, further dissolving the visual mass of structure. The mirrored soffit makes the gate appear taller when viewed from below, enhancing the dynamic sense of growth.

Design Challenge

One of the key challenges in the design process was sorting out and rearranging the layout of outdoor equipment. The design had to comprehensively consider the locations of equipment-connected interior rooms, the dimensions of different equipment, drainage routes, and cable positions, lending the building a rhythmic, orderly, and harmonious facade.

Project Duration

Design Period: April to June, 2025 Finished time: October 2025 Location: Taiyuan, Shanxi, China

Operation Flow

The automatic doors are installed between the main structural columns and the decorative columns. When opened, they are well concealed within the forest of columns, and when closed, they match the decorative columns well in color. Landscaping at the foot of the slender columns, adds a touch of vitality to the otherwise slightly cold structure. As pedestrians and vehicles traverse the gateway, the experience evokes the sensation of passing through a miniature forest.

Research

This renovation was required to be restrained and frugal. We spent a huge amount of effort to organically unify the individual buildings and use harmonious with variations design language to create visual consistency.

Inspiration

This project contains a facade renovation of two teaching buildings over twenty years old and a construction of a new gate. The buildings front the street and the gate stands between them. The client expected to transform their outdated appearance into vibrant, neat and energetic style. The new school gate should be majestic and futuristic. To meet these requirements, the design revolves around bright colors and a lightweight, airy visual effect.

Image Credits

Image #1, #2, #3, #4, #5: Photographer Weiqi Jin, Thriving, 2025.

Project Overview

Thriving Renovation and Gate has been a Iron winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2025 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Shimu Wang was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2026, a testament to excellence of their work Thriving Renovation and Gate.

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