Catalan Economists Institute Headquarters By Roldán + Berengué (ES)

Catalan Economists Institute Headquarters by Roldán + Berengué, arqts., photo: Jordi Surroca

The façade of the new Catalan Economists Institute Headquarters in Barcelona by Roldán + Berengué is a “vertical square” with the foyers of each floor superimposed.

Catalan Economists Institute Headquarters by Roldán + Berengué, arqts., photo: Jordi Surroca

“We contact this constructing the Vertical Square.” say the architects. “Just as in the galleries of the Barcelona Ensanche, this large south-facing window, where people stroll, meet and converse is its social heart. The vertical square is a place to socialize, to watch and to be noticed. The new Institute of Economists headquarters has the capacity to grow to be the city.”

Catalan Economists Institute Headquarters by Roldán + Berengué, arqts., photo: Jordi Surroca

The foyer, waiting space and circulation places on the various levels are placed along the front façade of the constructing, hunting down at the square. “Movement, individuals waiting and adjustments in the interior space are the real face of the urban piece. With this operation and with the transparency of the glass facade, the visibility of the institution increases, establishing a dialogue among the square and the city.”

Catalan Economists Institute Headquarters by Roldán + Berengué, arqts., photo: Jordi Surroca

“Moreover, these spaces of the foyer act as a climate and acoustic pad, safeguarding the professional education spaces. At evening, the Institute informs the urban environment activating its operational dynamics by means of selective illumination of the various programmatic zones.”

Catalan Economists Institute Headquarters by Roldán + Berengué, arqts., photo: Jordi Surroca

The plan of 3,000 m2 total is distributed over 6 major floors and two basement floors. By grouping the functions in a double order, the developing floors seem as a sequence of superimposed boxes. The functions are divided into a classroom/diffusion location and the deanery /administrative region. “The plan in its entirety is organized into rooms: the classrooms form rooms, the waiting halls kind rooms, as does the stairway…”

Catalan Economists Institute Headquarters by Roldán + Berengué, arqts., photo: Jordi Surroca

“These rooms, or boxes, are defined via 3 diverse materials: glass, aluminum and wood. The classrooms are necessarily white and monochrome. Wood is utilized in the rooms with natural lighting to improve their social use. That principle is applied in the access corridors to the classrooms, visible on the main constructing façade, and in the stairways which form the social heart of the building.”

Catalan Economists Institute Headquarters by Roldán + Berengué, arqts.

45% Power SAVINGS:
+ 4 facades with organic light: double crossed ventilation
+ North-facing classrooms + South-facing vestibules: THERMAL BARRIER
+ South-facing ventilated double glass skin.
+ Efficiency in climate control system
Reductions with respect to common usage:
- Emissions CO2 28%
- heating consumption 60%
- cooling consumption 30%
- lighting consumption 20%

CREDITS
Architects: José Miguel Roldán y Mercè Berengué (Roldán + Berengué, arqts.)
Juanjo P. Jarque, Vicenç Sanz, Zana Bosnic.
Promoter: Col•legi d’Economistes de Catalunya
Group:
Instalations: Grupo JG
Structure: Agustí Obiol (BOMAINPASA)
Tecnical architect: Gabriel Valeri
Contractor: TAU-ICESA
Surface: 3.080 m2
Price range: 3.602.747 € (PEM) 4.287.269 € (PEC sin IVA)
Address: Plaza Gal•la Placídia, 32. 08006 Barcelona
Project date: 2009
Building date: January 2011 – April 2013

to the Roldán + Berengué, arqts. web site

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