Shenghua Zizhu Bilingual School Campus Master Plan

Shanghai, China

LOCATION:

Shanghai, China

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Zizhu Bilingual School Master Plan embraces the landscape as a foundational element in shaping a dynamic and holistic educational environment. Set within nearly 110,000 square meters of undeveloped land in the Zizhu Purple Bay neighborhood, the campus is thoughtfully sited among the rich natural context of the Orchid Lake Ecological Area, adjacent waterways, and a lush equestrian greenbelt. The master plan—anchored by the vision of the landscape architect, McCullough—transforms this setting into a seamless integration of built and natural systems.

Landscape design plays a central role in establishing a unified living and learning environment for students in grades 1–12, including on-site boarding, subterranean parking, and a range of athletic facilities. Drawing inspiration from the spatial legacy of historic St. John’s University, the plan balances academic rigor with ecological sensitivity, using landscape as a connective tissue that binds the campus together.

Generous green spaces are not simply aesthetic elements, but carefully programmed zones that promote play, physical activity, and quiet reflection. The McCullough has prioritized outdoor learning environments and wellness-driven design, ensuring that students and staff remain in close, daily contact with nature. Native plantings, ecological corridors, and pedestrian-friendly circulation paths enrich the sensory experience while supporting environmental stewardship.

By establishing a strong physical and emotional connection to the surrounding environment, the landscape framework fosters a culture of sustainability, health, and creative exploration—positioning the Zizhu Bilingual School not only as an academic institution, but as a model of landscape-integrated educational design.