Regional brick
Office Building in Barcelona by BAAS Arquitectura
Office building in Barcelona, © Gregori Civera
Where factories once stood, a technology district is now arising: the district of Poblenou is undergoing a dramatic transformation. This office building of regional brick creates a link between past and present.
The design of the facades evokes references to the industrial heritage of the district. © Gregori Civera
The modern working world
The employees of fashion brand H&M chose Barcelona for their location in southern Europe and then voted in favour of the office building by BAAS – a true honour for the project. The structure’s proximity to the beach is of course an attraction, but first and foremost, the building carried the day with windows that can be opened in order to allow a connection to the outdoors that is so often absent in office construction.
Extensive light
In this building, the indoors-outdoors dialogue succeeds in many places: for instance, from the road it is possible to see through the lobby into the inner courtyard. The ramp to the underground parkade does not lead into darkness, but remains open to the sky. More bicycles than cars occupy the parkade, demonstrating the employees’ concern for sustainability. Staff can also freshen up in the showers before they enter the elevator from the corridor, which is naturally lit as well.
Interior, © Heide Wesely
Tradition and modern
“The cubature has been adapted to the neighbouring buildings”, explains Jordi Badia, founder and director of BAAS Arquitectura. “This is why the portion of the building that faces the inside of the block is lower.” Moreover, BAAS have also preserved the historical pathways. Even the streetside facade, which features 45-degree angles, follows the characteristic urban grid. As Badia says: “These corners are no easy matter for the floor plan, which is why many new buildings do not work with them. We wanted to counteract this in order to maintain the particular urban character of Poblenou. It was very important to us.”
© Gregori Civera
© Gregori Civera
Streetside sunlight
The building is tiered away from the street, allowing more sunlight to fall onto the road. Furthermore, the tiers give the building a less massive appearance. From the pavement, only three of the five storeys can be seen. The design of the facades includes references to the district’s industrial heritage. It consists entirely of light-coloured brick and is strictly divided by columns that taper upwards. This regional building material has been used in sophisticated ways, giving the office building its own identity, as do the ceramic tiles so typical of Catalonia which grace the toilets and washrooms.
© Heide Wessely
Cost-effective building
The building has been distinguished with Leed Gold certification. According to the investor, the use of local building materials and the absence of complex technology make the structure comparatively affordable. The project demonstrates that even in office buildings, less technology can lead to greater sustainability – and to satisfied employees.
Architecture: BAAS Arquitectura; Jordi Badia, Alex Clarà
Client: Conren Tramway
Team: Kino Coronas, Blanca Ademà, Joana Tril, Diego Duque, Alba Azuara, María Azkarate, Marc Sánchez, Anna Bosch, Maria Mariages, Pere Molas, Marta Cendra
Gallery
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