LCI Barcelona Campus 22@,
Circular Studio project
(International University of Design
and Visual Arts)
Barcelona's Poblenou neighborhood, once the heart of Spanish industry known as the "Manchester of Catalonia," is home to the new campus of Canadian design and visual arts university network LCI Education. The building, designed by local studio Circular Studio, offers cutting-edge programs in design, fashion, animation and digital technology.
In 1928, Catalan fashion designer Felicidad Duce Ripollés founded a school and tailoring workshop in Barcelona, which became the basis of an institution that has been significant in fashion education in Spain. In 2013, Canadian education network LCI Education took over the institution, opening a new campus and combining the tradition of Felicidad Duce's pioneering school with a modern approach.
The LCI Education campus in Barcelona's Poblenou neighborhood
photo by Julio Mesa © Circular Studio
"vertical campus" in the heart of the city
Covering nearly 12,000 sq m, LCI Barcelona's new headquarters is distinguished by an austere aesthetic that draws on Brutalist architectural traditions. The seven-story metal and glass building, designed as a "vertical campus," will accommodate some 3,000 students. It houses a variety of spaces, such as lecture halls, laboratories, workshops and common areas, supporting developed programs in art, design, communication and technology.
LCI Education campus in the Poblenou district of Barcelona - cross-section of the building
© Circular Studio
daylight-controlling facades
The building's exterior walls are covered with vertical aluminum panels, arranged in a rhythmic pattern, which act as both sun shades and a distinct aesthetic element. Angled and interlaced with windows, the panels effectively block the sun's intense rays while allowing soft, diffused light to penetrate the interiors. As a result, interior spaces are well-lit and comfortable for users. The rhythmic design of the facades gives the building a modern, technological character. In contrast to the exterior, the interiors are finished in predominantly white materials, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness.
The LCI Education campus in Barcelona's Poblenou neighborhood - view of the facade
photo by Julio Mesa © Circular Studio
spaciousness, transparency and functionality
- design of first floor and underground levels
The first floor of the building has been set back from the main body, creating a spacious, glazed zone that connects the interior to the public space. In front of the building is a plaza accessible to both students and residents. Stairs and ramps connect this open space to the interior, creating a circulation path leading deep into the building. Large glazing and skylights provide an abundance of natural light, supporting a welcoming environment conducive to learning and interaction.
The LCI Education campus in Barcelona's Poblenou neighborhood - interior view.
photo by Julio Mesa © Circular Studio
Similar solutions have been applied to the two underground levels, which were designed as a space for creative activities, containing workshops, photo labs and flexible workstations. The upper floors include lecture halls, studios, administrative offices, a library and student areas. A central staircase extends from the underground level, running through the ground and first floors of the building.
The LCI Education campus in Barcelona's Poblenou neighborhood - angled panels effectively block the sun's intense rays
photo by Julio Mesa © Circular Studio
innovative communications
and social spaces
Internal communication of the building was planned along its perimeter. Corridors are multifunctional spaces that function as social zones, workspaces and exhibition spaces. This approach redefines the traditional perception of corridors, transforming them into spaces that foster interaction, the exchange of ideas and the presentation of works. From the third to fifth floors, internal communication runs outside the building, creating pathways with views of the surrounding cityscape and the sea.
LCI Education campus in the Poblenou neighborhood of Barcelona - first and second floor plan view
© Circular Studio
On the fourth floor, between the third and fifth floors, there is a plaza that is the focal point of the building. It is an open-air space, protected from direct sunlight, where students can meet, study or relax.
The LCI Education campus in Barcelona's Poblenou neighborhood - view of the open plaza on the 4th floor.
photo by Julio Mesa © Circular Studio
The new campus will enrich the academic experience of our students, offering them access to a multicultural educational environment in one of Europe's most creative cities
- said Claude Marchand,
president and CEO of LCI Education.
sustainability
and energy efficiency
The project implemented various strategies to increase energy efficiency, which helped achieve a 60% reduction in energy consumption. High thermal insulation and a connection to the city's heating and cooling system contributed to an A energy rating, signifying the highest efficiency. The materials used in the building, such as aluminum, steel and wood panels, are largely recycled or recyclable. In addition, the use of photovoltaic panels increases the building's energy self-sufficiency. The building has earned BREEAM® certification, confirming its advanced approach to sustainable design.
The LCI Education campus in Barcelona's Poblenou neighborhood - the facade features rhythmic features
photo by Julio Mesa © Circular Studio
In the 19th century, Poblenou was an industrial district with factories and housing for workers. In the 20th century, the area began to lose its importance, until the 1992 Olympic Games, which initiated the transformation of this part of Barcelona. At that time, an Olympic village was built and the urban area was modernized. Today, thanks to the 22@ urban plan, Poblenou has become a center of innovation, technology and creativity. Renovated industrial buildings house lofts, art galleries, stores, art studios and educational spaces. The district attracts creatives, entrepreneurs and students from different regions of the world.
The LCI Education campus in the Poblenou district of Barcelona - elevation view
photo by Julio Mesa © Circular Studio
The new campus is part of Poblenou's modernization and development strategy, strengthening its role as a center of innovation and education. Its presence contributes to the revitalization of urban space and increased social activity.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Circular Studio.
