Project: Innovative Office Building
Architects: Open AD
Team: Zane Tetere – Sulce, Kristine Berza, Zane Araja, Beatrise Dzerve in collaboration with BC Arquitectos
Developer: R.Evolution City
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Year 2021
Text by Open AD
Designing for the future while respecting the past. Bac de Roda illustrates the value of applying creativity to workplace architecture and the ability of architecture to affect more than a building’s users. The innovative office building in Barcelona has the potential to become a new focal point for the neighbourhood and enhance local wellbeing. Infused with references to Catalan culture, the Bac de Roda also exemplifies contextual architecture.
The themes of the Sardana dance, castellers (human tower builders) and Salto del Sallent waterfall are visible throughout, in both the exterior and interior, shaping a holistic whole. For example, the triangles, which represent castells, appear in the solar shading panels on the facade, as well as in the acoustic panels and furniture indoors. The Sardana inspired the outdoor meeting pods and the lobby area’s wooden feature. In its turn, the artificial waterfall flows down the front of the facade and into the lobby where it contributes to the welcoming, invigorating atmosphere.
Considering the climate in Barcelona and the basic human need for a connection to nature, our design encourages the building’s users to shift some of their activities outdoors. We questioned why meetings, phone calls and moments of deep work need always take place indoors. Our solution comes in the shape of a well-equipped, functional terrace, which continues the activity-based layout of the interior spaces.
The Bac de Roda office building in Barcelona is a technologically advanced project in which we got to exercise both our creativity and technical skills to pull off features like the man-made forest and waterfall.
