A former college campus in Shanghai's Xuhui District has been given new life through a carefully planned architectural revitalization project led by gmp Architects. The site, which originally housed the School of Metallurgy and Mechanical Engineering founded in 1955 as part of the Shanghai Institute of Technology, was successfully transformed in 2024 into the modern Caobao Road Campus of the Shanghai Business School.

The comprehensive renovation project encompasses a total area of 193,000 square meters and includes the development of a specialized hospitality college created in partnership with the prestigious Lausanne College of Hospitality Management. This collaboration brings international expertise to the campus, enhancing its educational offerings and global connections.

The first phase of construction focused on breathing new life into four key buildings strategically positioned along Caobao Road. These structures include the main teaching building, a student dormitory, the western cafeteria, and an annex that now serves multiple functions including library space, study areas, and meeting rooms. The buildings, constructed during different decades spanning the 1950s, 1980s, and 1990s, presented unique challenges due to their varying architectural styles and scales.

Gmp's innovative design concept successfully unified these disparate architectural elements into a harmonious ensemble, drawing inspiration from the classical modernism of the earliest structures on the site. The architects' approach respected the historical significance of the original buildings while creating a cohesive visual identity that serves the needs of modern education. Today, the revitalized complex provides comprehensive learning and living facilities for approximately 1,000 students.

A central element of the adaptive reuse strategy involved the complete redesign of the building facades, creating a unified architectural identity despite the inherent differences between the structures. The dormitory underwent significant modifications, with decorative features from the 1990s carefully removed to achieve a cleaner aesthetic. In contrast, the cafeteria renovation required meticulous reconstruction of numerous original architectural details, including the door lintel, entrance steps, hanging awning ornaments at the main entrance, and an distinctive arched side door. These restorations were based on historical drawings obtained from the city archives, ensuring historical accuracy.

The design team implemented a clean, all-white color scheme that effectively ties the individual building volumes together into a cohesive architectural whole. This unified approach creates visual continuity across the campus while respecting the unique characteristics of each structure. The minimalist color palette also provides a neutral backdrop that allows the architectural details and landscaping to take prominence.

Inside the buildings, the design philosophy continues the theme of minimalist restraint while honoring the site's history. Original materials were carefully preserved and refurbished wherever possible, maintaining connections to the campus's industrial heritage. The terrazzo floors in the main teaching building underwent meticulous restoration, preserving their original character while meeting contemporary standards. In the cafeteria, the original truss system of the roof structure was expertly restored and left exposed, creating dramatic interior spaces that celebrate the building's structural elements.

The landscape design, developed through collaboration with WES LandschaftsArchitektur, plays an integral role in the overall campus concept. The design emphasizes open views, clear orientation, and spatial clarity that helps students and visitors navigate the complex intuitively. Environmental sustainability was prioritized through the preservation of mature trees, including a nearly 70-year-old magnolia tree that serves as a focal point in the south plaza and majestic redwoods that define the distinctive character of the site.

The project represents a successful model of adaptive reuse in urban China, demonstrating how thoughtful architectural intervention can transform aging educational facilities into vibrant, contemporary learning environments. The collaboration between German architectural expertise and Chinese educational institutions showcases the potential for international partnerships in creating innovative educational spaces that honor historical context while meeting modern pedagogical needs.