Color the Key at WAB

WAB is easily spotted in tranquil, inner-suburban Chaoyang District--an eye-catching expression of modern and traditional Chinese architecture that commands attention, even from passers-by. If one word were needed to sum up the complex of buildings, it would be "welcoming". WAB is a friendly, vibrant, spirited seat of learning that can be infectious once you get through the entrance.

The basic concept of the academy, designed for the under-14s, was by Los Angeles-based American architect John Fisher. Because he was unable to visit Beijing regularly, architects at the city's branch of the MKB company co-operated with Fisher long-distance to complete WAB's construction and interior design. The architects involved on both sides of the globe say the academy is quintessentially "Beijing" in style and function, a tribute to its creators' understanding of mod-trad Chinese architecture.

The first WAB features to catch the eye are its mix of bright and plain colors and roof. In opting for blue, purple, red, orange and green, the architects were thinking of the "colors of childhood". The school's single-slope curvilinear "ski-slope" roof is both a variation of Chinese traditional two-slopers, and intended to arouse the curiosity of students who wish to further explore Chinese architecture. The design of the sloped roofs on the northern side of the buildings allowed the installation of extra windows on the southern side, the obvious aim being more sunlight for the children.

Inside the buildings, Chinese decorations combine with western facilities, a new spin on east-meets-west. Chinese furniture, paintings, musical instruments and ornaments seem to occupy every corner, while modern facilities such as wireless computers, drinking fountains and special tools for children are in abundance.

Usually of most surprise to visitors are the seeming miles of exposed pipes and wires at virtually every turn--another modern architectural trend that first appeared in American restaurants in the 1980s. Happily for purists, most of the piping and wiring have been painted in different colors. This aspect was no gimmick. The designers simply wanted to show the children how water and electricity are distributed in a workaday building, the analogy being the circulation systems of the human body.

Like any school, WAB wants its pupils to better understand the things around them, and how they work, emphasis being on China and its culture. This established, WAB provides a comfortable, convenient environment highly conducive to study. And if pupils need any reminding of the Chinese aspect, they need only glance at the wall near every classroom door. There they will find the name and a picture of one of Beijing's city gates, examples being Dongzhimen and Chaoyangmen. This ploy is a further reminder to pupils of part of local history--Old Beijing. As one teacher said: "We try never to miss a chance to educate our pupils in unexpected ways."

WAB's main building is also a palette of colors, each representing a different function such as classroom and gymnasium. The atrium, which divides classrooms and public areas, has been enlarged into a hall which forms the hub of the building. A hole in the roof allows sunshine to flood the hall, but rain and winter cold can be kept at bay.

Other features can be seen in the gymnasium, which is easily converted into four rooms by a hanging cross-shaped curtain, while a steel wall surrounding the theater can be adjusted to provide a larger outdoor auditorium.

Critics might argue that the designers reveal too many of the architectural elements that make up WAB, especially its skeletal aspects. The architects reply that "direct visibility affords proper understanding".