Smart 22@ Building by GCA Architects: Barcelona’s Intelligent and Sustainable Office Architecture

The Smart 22@ Building, designed by GCA Architects, represents a new generation of intelligent and sustainable office architecture in Barcelona, Spain. Located in the innovative 22@ technology district of Poblenou, this contemporary office complex reflects the transformation of the area from an industrial manufacturing zone into a dynamic hub for technology, business, and creative industries.

Completed in 2022, the Smart 22@ Building demonstrates how architecture can merge technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and cultural heritage. The project consists of three independent office buildings arranged around a large landscaped garden, creating a modern workplace environment that prioritizes collaboration, well-being, and sustainability.

Urban Context: Poblenou and the 22@ Innovation District

The Smart 22@ Building is situated in Barcelona’s Poblenou district, historically known as the “Catalan Manchester.” During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the neighborhood housed more than 40% of the region’s cotton industry, making it one of Spain’s most important industrial areas.

However, with the transformation that followed the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, the city launched the 22@ urban innovation plan, which converted nearly 200 hectares of industrial land into a technological and creative district. Today, Poblenou hosts technology companies, design studios, start-ups, and innovation centers.

Within this evolving urban landscape, the Smart 22@ Building acts as a bridge between Barcelona’s industrial heritage and its digital future.

Architectural Concept and Design Philosophy

The design approach by GCA Architects emphasizes the social responsibility of architecture, aiming to integrate the building harmoniously within its surrounding neighborhood. The project’s architectural morphology carefully responds to nearby structures, particularly the historic La Escocesa factory, an important industrial landmark in Poblenou.

Architect Josep Riu, partner at GCA Architects, describes the building as a connection between past and future, combining craftsmanship, heritage, and cutting-edge technology.

One of the defining features of the building is its façade, which reflects the traditional chromatic palette of the district. The use of terracotta elements references Barcelona’s architectural heritage while employing advanced manufacturing techniques that allow the production of large extruded terracotta pieces. This combination of traditional materials with modern construction technology gives the building a distinctive identity within the urban context.

Spatial Organization and Office Design

The Smart 22@ complex includes approximately 24,600 square meters of office space, distributed across three separate building volumes. This configuration creates a dynamic campus-like environment while allowing each building to function independently.

Inside the buildings, the office spaces are designed as open-plan and flexible work environments that can easily adapt to the evolving needs of contemporary companies. The interior layout prioritizes collaboration, natural lighting, and spatial efficiency.

A post-tensioned concrete slab structure enables wide column-free spaces, allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the building from the curtain wall façades. This structural strategy not only improves spatial flexibility but also enhances the overall user experience.

In addition to office areas, the building incorporates a range of shared amenities designed to promote well-being and social interaction, including:

• Outdoor terraces overlooking the garden areas
• Comfortable lounge spaces
• Multipurpose meeting rooms
• Locker rooms and service areas

These spaces encourage collaboration, relaxation, and community-building among employees.

Integration of Art and Local Identity

The Smart 22@ Building also integrates artistic elements that celebrate the social history of Poblenou. At the main entrances of the buildings, visitors encounter pictorial works created by Julián García Hernández. These artworks portray the people who once worked in the district’s factories, honoring the neighborhood’s industrial past and reinforcing the building’s connection to its cultural context.

This artistic integration highlights the project’s commitment to human-centered architecture, where the identity and memory of the local community are reflected within contemporary design.

Sustainable Architecture and Environmental Performance

Sustainability is a central pillar of the Smart 22@ Building. The project incorporates a wide range of environmentally responsible design strategies that reduce energy consumption, optimize resource use, and improve indoor environmental quality.

Key sustainability features include:

• 45% reduction in water consumption
• 32% reduction in energy consumption
• 20% use of low environmental impact construction materials
• 75% sustainable waste management during construction

The complex also integrates 264 photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy and reduce reliance on conventional power sources.

In addition, the building supports sustainable mobility with:

• 63 parking spaces for electric vehicles
• 25 electric vehicle charging stations

The south façade incorporates photovoltaic glass panels, further enhancing the building’s energy efficiency by generating electricity while maintaining natural daylight within interior spaces.

Healthy Workplace Environment

The Smart 22@ Building also prioritizes indoor environmental quality and occupant well-being. Its advanced air-conditioning system incorporates photocatalysis technology and active polarization filters, ensuring high indoor air quality and improved comfort for building users.

These health-focused strategies contribute to a productive work environment where employees benefit from cleaner air, better lighting, and comfortable thermal conditions.

Digital Technology and Smart Building Systems

As one of Spain’s first intelligent office buildings, Smart 22@ integrates advanced PropTech (property technology) solutions that digitize building management and user interactions.

The building operates with the Sharry digital platform, which allows occupants to control various building functions directly from their smartphones. Through the application, users can:

• Access the building and unlock doors or turnstiles
• Reserve parking spaces or meeting rooms
• Manage visitor access through QR codes

This digital system eliminates traditional plastic badges and simplifies visitor management, creating a seamless and efficient user experience.

Certifications and International Recognition

The Smart 22@ Building has achieved several prestigious sustainability and performance certifications, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility and workplace well-being.

The project holds:

• LEED Platinum V4 Certification for sustainable design and environmental performance
• WELL Gold Certification, focused on the health and well-being of occupants
• AAA Energy Certification, confirming high energy efficiency
• WiredScore Certification, recognizing advanced digital connectivity and technological infrastructure

These certifications position the Smart 22@ Building as a benchmark for next-generation office architecture in Europe.

Architecture Connecting Past, Present, and Future

The Smart 22@ Building exemplifies how contemporary architecture can integrate technology, sustainability, and cultural heritage within a single urban project. By combining advanced building systems, flexible workspaces, and environmentally responsible design strategies, GCA Architects have created a workplace environment that responds to the demands of modern companies while respecting the history of the Poblenou district.

Through its thoughtful urban integration, innovative materials, and smart building technologies, Smart 22@ stands as a powerful example of Barcelona’s commitment to sustainable and intelligent urban development.

All photographs are works of  Rafael Vargas