LYCS Architecture Designed School with Rooftop Running Track
As a display for how roof levels can offer added functionality in the built environment, LYCS architecture has designed the tiantai no 2 primary school based on the form of a 200-meter running track. the strategy responds to issues of land scarcity prevalent in this old-city zone in china, and similarly exist in many urban areas worldwide. the scheme allows for the sport and playground space necessary in contemporary educational institutions, while keeping the massing’s site coverage relatively low (41%) for reduced density and usable outdoor space on the ground plane.
the four-story building’s overall shape follows the oval-course of the rooftop track, and offers approximately 3000 square meters of outdoor usable area on the ground plane. included in this is a large inner courtyard which serves as a central gathering space for the entire student, teacher, and administrative community. additionally, the structure is rotated 15 degrees to create external garden and parking areas, which link to the interior of the site through three access points.
placing a track and basketball court on the building’s roof posed particular functional complications. in response, the sport area is surrounded by a three-layer guardrail, to ensure the safety of students during activity. the barrier combines an outer 1.8 meter high tempered glass wall with an inner 1.2 meter high stainless steel rail, which are separated by a 50 cm wide green belt. additionally, to reduce noise and movement to the classrooms below, a double-layer structure is utilized below the running surface, which includes spring cushions placed at 50 cm x 50 cm intervals.
