Architectural Cases

Peking University's School of Mathematical Sciences by FEI Architects

FEI Architects embarked on an extensive eight-year mission to revitalize the Educational Technology Building located along Wusi Road within Peking University's Yanyuan Campus. This initiative commenced in 2015 when the structure faced potential demolition as part of a new campus development strategy.

Investigations revealed the Educational Technology Building, inaugurated in 1988, was once a cutting-edge educational facility within Yanyuan. It housed the university's largest auditorium and served as a central hub for teaching, academic discourse, and various public campus events. The building stands as a testament to Peking University's growth following China's period of Reform and Opening-up, embodying the shared experiences of countless students and faculty. Notably, it is the sole remaining teaching edifice from the nearly four-decade span between the 1960s and 1990s to be preserved in the campus's core area.

This architectural preservation project highlights the critical importance of safeguarding historical structures that embody a community's shared heritage and educational progress. By transforming and maintaining such buildings, universities can honor their past while adapting to future needs, ensuring that foundational elements of their identity continue to inspire new generations.

Esh Hotel & Spa: A Secluded Oasis in Nosara, Costa Rica

Esh Hotel & Spa, nestled in the scenic region of Nosara, Costa Rica, represents a masterful blend of architectural ingenuity and natural harmony. Conceived by FAMM Arquitectura and Sulkin Askenazi, this 29-key development reimagines the traditional luxury hotel experience. Instead of relying on vast, distant panoramas, the design artfully cultivates an introspective sanctuary, seamlessly integrating with its immediate environment. The project emphasizes a deep connection to nature, transforming the site's inherent features—such as ancient trees, a meandering creek, and vibrant planted courtyards—into focal points of relaxation and immersion. Completed in 2024, the hotel spans 3700 square meters, offering guests a tranquil retreat where architectural elements and natural beauty coalesce to create a unique, enriching stay.

A Symphony of Nature and Design: Esh Hotel & Spa

Embracing the Local Landscape: A Design Philosophy Beyond Distant Views

The vision for Esh Hotel & Spa was born from a distinctive site challenge: a sloped terrain in Nosara, Costa Rica, which offered limited opportunities for expansive, long-distance vistas. Rather than attempting to force a panoramic experience, the design philosophy pivoted to embrace the immediate surroundings. This led to the creation of an "internal landscape"—a self-contained world where the hotel's charm derives from its intimate connection to the existing natural elements, fostering a sense of secluded tranquility.

The Art of Integration: Preserved Trees and Natural Waterways as Core Elements

At the heart of Esh Hotel & Spa's design is the meticulous preservation and integration of the site's natural features. Mature trees were retained, forming natural canopies and offering organic shade, while a serene natural creek was incorporated into the landscape, its gentle flow contributing to the ambient tranquility. These natural elements are not merely decorative but serve as fundamental components of the guest experience, guiding pathways and defining spaces.

Crafting Serenity: Lush Courtyards and Inviting Outdoor Sanctuaries

Central to the hotel's appeal are its beautifully crafted planted courtyards. These green spaces provide intimate settings for relaxation and reflection, enveloped by Costa Rica's vibrant flora. Complementing the courtyards are carefully designed water features, which introduce soothing sounds and visual calmness. Extensive shaded outdoor areas ensure comfort throughout the day, inviting guests to linger and immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance.

Navigating the Oasis: Orientation Through Natural Elements

The architectural layout ingeniously uses these natural focal points for orientation. Instead of relying on conventional signage or distant landmarks, guests navigate the property by connecting with the preserved trees, the winding creek, the verdant courtyards, and the shimmering water bodies. This intuitive wayfinding deepens the sense of immersion, encouraging a harmonious exploration of the hotel's secluded landscape.

A Sanctuary of Comfort: Luxurious Accommodations Within a Natural Embrace

Esh Hotel & Spa offers 29 elegantly appointed keys, each designed to provide utmost comfort while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding nature. The interiors reflect the outside environment, utilizing natural materials and thoughtful layouts that enhance the sense of peace and privacy. The design ensures that every guest space feels like a private retreat, a harmonious extension of the natural world just beyond its walls.

See More

Feliza Bursztyn School: A Harmonious Blend of Urban Integration and Serene Design

The Feliza Bursztyn School represents a significant architectural achievement, integrating educational facilities within an urban fabric while fostering a connection to nature. This project by AR-AR (Martínez Arquitectura) showcases how contemporary design can address both functional and community needs, creating a harmonious environment for learning and interaction. Completed in 2024, the school occupies a substantial area of 8835 square meters, making it a prominent feature in its Bogotá, D.C. location. Its design philosophy centers on acting as an urban link, bridging the lively neighborhood dynamics with the peaceful qualities of a nearby public green space. This thoughtful approach aims to enhance the daily experience of students and residents alike, underscoring the importance of architectural spaces that contribute positively to their surroundings.

Feliza Bursztyn School: A Confluence of Modern Design and Community Spirit in Bogotá

In the bustling heart of Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, the Feliza Bursztyn School, conceptualized by AR-AR (Martínez Arquitectura) and led by architect Carlos Alberto Martínez Valencia, officially opened its doors in 2024. This expansive educational complex, covering an impressive 8835 square meters, is more than just a building; it is a meticulously crafted urban intervention designed to serve as a vital link between the vibrant rhythms of the local community and the tranquil embrace of an adjacent public green space. The architectural vision for the school prioritizes seamless integration, utilizing thoughtful design elements to merge the structured learning environment with the fluid dynamics of urban life. Photographed by Teodoro Posada, the school’s facade, featuring robust brickwork, and its carefully planned interior spaces, including corridors and an auditorium, reflect a commitment to both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. The design team, which also included Fiallo Atelier (Jesús Alfonso Fiallo Arango) and MEC Arquitectura (Manuela Eble Cárdenas), focused on creating a space that not only facilitates education but also enhances the urban landscape and fosters a sense of belonging among its users.

This innovative educational project in Bogotá provides a compelling blueprint for future urban developments. It underscores the potential of architectural design to transcend mere functionality, transforming buildings into active participants in urban ecosystems. The Feliza Bursztyn School teaches us that educational institutions can be powerful catalysts for community engagement and environmental stewardship, blending learning with lived experience. The deliberate connection to public spaces through its design enriches both the school’s occupants and the wider community, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to integrating architecture with its social and natural context.

See More