Transformation of an Industrial Building into a Contemporary Office Space in Barcelona by Ida

In the heart of Poblenou, Barcelona, a neighborhood known for its ongoing urban regeneration, architecture studio Ida (Xavier Isart Torruella and María Domínguez) has reimagined a 1966 industrial building into a modern office building. This adaptive reuse project spans 2,150 m² and represents a thoughtful balance between preserving the industrial character of the structure and meeting the functional demands of a contemporary workplace.

Adaptive Reuse in an Evolving Urban Context

The project is set in Poblenou, an area transitioning from an industrial past to a vibrant cultural and business hub. The architects’ approach highlights the potential of adaptive reuse architecture in strengthening the identity of cities while reducing the environmental footprint compared to new construction.

Interior Transformation and Circulation Strategy

The building’s typology is exceptional: four levels, each with a five-meter height, incorporating half-level mezzanines. The design intervention reorganizes circulation routes to enhance the experience of double-height spaces, reinforcing openness and visual connectivity.

Key modifications include:

• Relocation of staircases from the central zone to the rear, maximizing usable workspace.
• Integration of compact service cores beneath mezzanines, hosting kitchens, restrooms, and storage.
• Placement of meeting rooms in mezzanine areas, giving them a symbolic and highly visible role within the workspace.

This new layout fosters interaction, strengthens collaboration between teams, and ensures efficient flow across different programmatic units.

Materiality and Industrial Character

The renovation emphasizes steel and concrete, materials that maintain the authenticity of the building’s industrial heritage. Each floor is characterized by a unique shade of green, creating a subtle gradation from dark tones at street level to lighter hues toward the rooftop, reinforcing a sense of upward movement.

Façade and Envelope Interventions

The architectural transformation extends to the building envelope:

• The original gable roof is replaced with a flat, walkable rooftop terrace. This new space, shaded by a large umbrella-shaped pergola, becomes a distinctive outdoor environment for relaxation and informal gatherings.
• The rear façade is completely opened, allowing abundant natural light to flood the interiors.
• On the main façade, only the ground floor is reconfigured, aligning with the overall compositional rhythm while creating greater openness toward the neighborhood.

A Workplace for Wellbeing and Connectivity

The design enhances user experience, movement, and visual connections with Barcelona’s urban landscape. The inclusion of greenery, generous daylight, and communal areas results in a healthy, sustainable, and pleasant workspace, exemplifying the potential of adaptive reuse projects in shaping the future of urban environments.

All Photographs are works of Del Rio Bani