Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts

Unlike a typical campus formed around quads, SAFA exists within the footprint of the Bao Steel building, requiring a linear campus.

Individual Departments are grouped into four main divisions. Each of the divisions, or “Clusters” are made up of an assembly of dedicated space types – labs, classroom and studio, faculty offices. As with each Department, each Cluster benefits by having its own identity and defined space without losing sight of a shared campus experience that encourages collaboration and creative exchange. Shared common spaces and programmatic hubs provide the glue that binds student, faculty and staff together, regardless of their area of study or position within the program. These activity magnets are also spaces where the community can engage and where a strong town and gown relationship can be established and nurtured - a cultural regeneration.

The East Art Museum beacon and elevated public plaza provides a multi-functional space able to host outdoor events, exhibitions, and performances. The Art Museum tower is comprised of alternating and shifted gallery floors and The International Exchange Center is for visiting artists. The adjacencies of the Fine Arts cluster studios to the public outdoor terrace and art museum offer opportunities for creative exchange and exhibition between The Academy, the community, and professional artists - a true Town and Gown experience.

The individual components that make up the physical campus are legible and distinct and provide a memorable visual and spatial experience for student, faculty, staff, and visitors alike. Together these pieces create a three-dimensional framework that supports the creative energy within and communicates a message of openness and accessibility.