LCI Barcelona Campus
- New build
- Education
- Sustainability
The new LCI Education building, located in Barcelona’s 22@ district, houses the International School of Design & Visual Arts and the European HUB of the institution. Its programme includes classrooms, laboratories, offices, a library and communal leisure areas.
The architectural proposal required the execution of a highly complex mixed steel‑and‑concrete structure, as well as a distinctive façade system made of zig‑zag prefabricated panels. The project also integrated state‑of‑the‑art building services and a high level of finish quality. Construction followed a demanding schedule to ensure the academic year could begin on time.
- Year: 2022-2024
- Duration (months): 30
- Location: Àlaba 124, Barcelona
- Surface area (m2): 11.740
- Developer: LCI Education
- Architecture: Circular Studio
- Photography: Marcela Grassi
- Video: Stupendastic
- MEP & HVAC consultant: Jaume Pastor
- Quantity Surveyor & Site Supervisor: Ramón Cisa
- Façade Consultancy: xmade
- Engineering: Other Structures
- Building Services: EDA Instalaciones y Energía
Cardoner Instal·lacions
-
Spaces constructed for wellbeing
We delivered an architectural project conceived to enhance the wellbeing and comfort of the LCI educational community. The building features naturally lit spaces; classrooms and workshops designed to foster creativity and teamwork; and shared and resting areas that encourage interaction.
-
Iconic building in the 22@ district
Thanks to its distinctive zig‑zag façade made of prefabricated panels – which improve energy efficiency and daylight control – CI Barcelona now features an iconic building that strengthens its identity as a leading European centre for design and visual arts.
-
Efficient project management
To guarantee the centre opened on schedule and resources were used efficiently, coordination among all stakeholders was essential, using LEAN Construction and the Last Planner System (LPS).
A highly complex structure
- Mixed use of steel and concrete
- Central oval cores with custom-designed formwork
- Double‑height spaces with oval perimeter slabs
- Diagonally inclined columns across multiple floors
- Large main staircase with cantilevered landings
- Extensive cantilevered slab spans on intermediate floors
Building services that promote sustainability
- Pneumatic waste collection connected to the public network
- High‑efficiency HVAC connected to the public grid
- Greywater reuse system recycling wastewater from sanitary installations
- Building Management System (BMS) providing digital control of all building services
- Photovoltaic installation covering 25% of annual electricity consumption
High‑quality finishes
- Interior exposed‑concrete floors treated with lithium and hand‑applied aggregate
- Custom-made interior carpentry with curved and organic forms
- Large pivoting steel doors with minimalist profiles
- Metal‑slat ceilings aligned and coordinated with building services
- Acoustic treatments meeting the most demanding requirements of each space
