THE HUB is the latest collaboration between anySCALE and the Western Academy of Beijing—a transformation of a simple circulation spine into the social heart of the campus. Once a two-story corridor used only for passing through, the space is now a vibrant connector where students gather, study, relax, and play.
To strengthen communication between levels, anySCALE introduced a series of spiral staircases, stitching the floors together and reshaping the corridor into a multifunctional commons. Softer materials, varied seating, and warm tones further help turn movement into meaningful interaction.
On the ground floor, where daily traffic is heaviest, a cozy café, a grab-and-go canteen, and flexible lounge areas create a welcoming social landscape. A projector corner supports presentations, while elevated seating along the curved glass façade overlooks the soccer field—ideal for game days and parent gatherings.
Upstairs, the theater lobby remains open, but its highlight is the “hangout nest”: a vast netted trampoline inspired by a Danish adventure park. Suspended between the floors, it invites students to jump, play, or lounge on oversized cushions, visually linking the two levels through its translucent form.
Light timber tones warm the overall palette, complemented by a Mondrian-inspired color scheme—deep blue for the café, vibrant yellow for the coffee corner, and rich green for a seating zone—giving the space a fresh, playful identity.
THE HUB is more than a passageway; it is an incubator for student life—design that nurtures connection, creativity, and community.
