School design wins gold at MUSE awards

The design of Shenzhen Technology University Pingshan Experimental School (formerly known as Nanbu Lijing School) recently won the Gold Award in the Architectural Design — Educational category at the 2025 MUSE Design Awards.

A building at Shenzhen Technology University Pingshan Experimental School. Photo from the Public Works Bureau of Pingshan District

The design team employed unconventional façade treatments to create a dynamic, lively exterior through transparency, interruptions, and interwoven volumes. Inside, staggered layouts and multi-level platform spaces offer students diverse, engaging spatial experiences. The architects describe the school as an “urban symbiotic community campus” — a place where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.

Interconnected winding platforms form multi-level spaces that can host open days, sports festivals, and graduation ceremonies. Tiered bleachers and a viewing corridor link the north and south campuses, improving access to the sports field while serving as a “colorful ribbon” across the site.

At the heart of the campus, an oval plaza atop the complex connects the primary school, the junior high, and the comprehensive building. This hub is designed for multiple uses, including exhibitions, viewing Pingshan River Park, stargazing, and geography programs.

Established by the International Awards Associate (IAA) in 2015, the MUSE Design Awards is an international competition recognizing outstanding and original design work worldwide. MUSE spotlights rising talent across architecture, interior, product, landscape, lighting, furniture, and fashion design.