Studio Vapore’s Music Classrooms Explode with Color: See the Vibrant Transformation!

The music classrooms at Wester Academy Beijing are a vivid spectacle, both in visual flair and auditory function. The design firm, studio vapore, renowned for its dynamic and colorful interior projects, characterizes this renovation as one shaped by layout, sound, and color dynamics.

This renovation spans 7,500 square feet and is just the initial step in a larger campus improvement plan. It is specifically designed to cater to the requirements of music education, promising to stimulate both the creative inclinations of its students and the enthusiasm of its teachers.

The design of the space aligns classrooms along a central hallway, each equipped with individual practice areas set along the outer edges. Transparent glass partitions allow teachers to oversee students both in these secluded spaces and in the general corridor, facilitating a multifunctional area where instruction, practice, and rehearsal can occur seamlessly. This strategic arrangement supports an effortless transition between different educational activities, catering efficiently to varying student needs and teaching dynamics.

Given the focus on music, the quality of sound within the classrooms was paramount. Studio vapore collaborated with acoustic experts to design specific treatments for walls, ceilings, floors, and even built-in furniture to optimize acoustics. The chosen materials such as felt panels, fabric, and volumetric acoustic modules not only enhance sound quality but also add a vibrant visual element to each room. The decor features whimsical wall installations, brightly colored as if taken from a packet of Starburst candies, giving each room a distinct and lively personality.

Color plays a crucial role as well, serving as an additional “organizing layer,” according to studio vapore. The classrooms are differentiated by the use of bold red, orange, and yellow hues, corresponding to the school’s division into three age groups. These colors act as navigational aids; the vividly painted thresholds are easily visible from the corridor, clearly indicating where students should go.

The music section of the school stands out not just internally but also within the broader institutional context, effectively creating a brand identity through its striking use of color right from the entrance.

Photograph at the top of the article by Vincent Wu. The first three photos by Shawn Koh. Additional photos by Vincent Wu.