Consistently ranked as the top academic institution in China, Tsinghua University partnered with Gensler Beijing to design an extension of its newest campus building — the School of Economics and Management. The new academic building design celebrates connectivity and serendipitous interactions through walkways, greenery, and landscaped spaces. Based on Gensler’s research on education trends, the design team carefully evaluated the types of spaces needed to effectively support collaboration and productivity.The campus building accommodates a Public Teaching Platform (PTP), a Teaching & Research Area (TRA), and a Science X-Lab, linked by a bridge. The PTP and TRA are clad in a terracotta tile similarly featured on its surrounding buildings. Terracotta echoes the strength and rigor of an educational institution, while the use of glass and metal in the X-lab reflects Tsinghua University’s forward-thinking vision.