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From factory to office: the modernization of the Simon industrial building in Barcelona by b720

20 of January '25
Technical data
name:

SIMON SWITCH BUILDING
(NUEVA SEDE DE SIMON)

function: OFFICE
location:

BARCELONA, Spain

client: SIMON (ACTIUS IMMOBILIARIS SIMON SAU)
project:

b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos

project team: FERMÍN VÁZQUEZ, PECO MULET, EDUARDO VARAS PABLO GARRIDO, MAIALEN ANDIARENA, CRISTINA SÁNCHEZ
interior design (offices): KATTY SCHIEBECK STUDIO
lighting design: MMAS LIGHTING
structural analysis: BIS STRUCTURES
MEP analysis: JG INGENIEROS
landscape design: LOCAL 4
budget: DALMAU + MORROS
acoustic analysis: CODERCH ACÚSTICA
project management: MARTÍ AVILÉS
construction site management: DALMAU + MORROS
construction company: UTE NOVA SEU SIMON (CALAF CONSTRUCTORA / AGEFRED)
health and safety coordination: JORDI AVILÉS
main suppliers and service providers: TALLERES INOX, SCHUCCO, PUIGDELLÍVOL, ROCA, PORCELANOSA, SIMON, PROTOPIXEL, VIBIA, LUZ NEGRA, SANTA & COLE, INGO MAURER, MARSET, INTERFACE, FSB, DORMAKABA, ICONICO, KINGSPAN, TECNOCOBER, PERFYLAST, UBASART, BANDALUX, FINSA, CONSENTINO, KEIM, IDEAL WORK, CHOVA, BERNADÍ, MINIM, CASA DELFÍN, CUINES PALAFRUGELL, OFITA, ACTIU, SOLER & PALAU, PEMSA

calendar:

  • project
  • construction

  • 2018-2020
  • 2021-2023

area:

  • development

  • 10.160

Simon's new headquarters (SWITCH),
design: b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos

[Material prepared from the studio's author's description]

Spanish studio b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos transformed the former Simon factory in Barcelona into the company's new headquarters. The renovation was a response to the need to integrate more than 350 employees who previously worked in two separate locations. The project took into account the preservation of key features of the original structure - a concrete industrial building from the second half of the 20th century - while, at the same time, adapting the space for new office functions. The new headquarters is named SWITCH, which is an acronym for "Simon Worldwide Innovation Talent Community Hub." The name also refers to the electric switch, one of the company's most recognizable products.

SWITCH, czyli nowa siedziba firmy Simon w Barcelonie - na poziomie parteru zaprojektowano podcień, który zapewnia dostęp do przestrzeni publicznych

SWITCH, which is Simon's new headquarters in Barcelona - an arcade was designed at ground level to provide access to public spaces

Photo by José Hevia © b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos

adapting a historic structure
to modern standards

The former structure of the Simón building was based on a concrete structure with a truss on the facade. The renovation process focused on adapting this structure to modern requirements. A key step was a detailed analysis of the structure's technical condition, based on which the necessary repair work was carried out. Activities included the restoration of damaged concrete, selective demolition of selected sections to create new communication nodes and workspaces, as well as demolition and reconstruction of the most damaged elements, while maintaining the original structural concept. These interventions were not hidden, but remained visible in the form of subtle changes in the texture of the concrete, becoming an integral part of the building's narrative and history.

SWITCH, czyli nowa siedziba firmy Simon w Barcelonie - projekt wykorzystał potencjał istniejącej siatki betonowej, eliminując stare parapety ceglaste

SWITCH, the new headquarters of Simon in Barcelona - the project exploited the potential of the existing concrete grid, eliminating the old brick sills

Photo by José Hevia © b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos

spatial organization of the building
and integration with the surroundings

The building has an L-shaped plan with a trimmed corner. An arcade was designed at the first floor level to provide access to public spaces. The upper floors, designed for offices, feature large glazed areas that offer views of the city.

SWITCH, czyli nowa siedziba firmy Simon w Barcelonie - plan trzeciego piętra

SWITCH, or Simon's new headquarters in Barcelona - third floor plan

© b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos

facade upgrade:
A harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics

The project made full use of the existing reinforced concrete structure, while eliminating the old brick parapets. The new facade was designed with rectangular window openings with deep reveals that surround the concrete frame. The windows were fitted with aluminum frames and glass balustrades, enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Extensive glazing has improved the building's thermal insulation, and the technological solutions used have enabled effective control of sunlight, which helps optimize energy consumption.

SWITCH, czyli nowa siedziba firmy Simon w Barcelonie - widok elewacji

SWITCH, or Simon's new headquarters in Barcelona - elevation view

Photo by José Hevia © b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos

revitalizing industrial heritage
in a modern context

The transformation of the building supports the process of revitalizing the area of the former Poble Nou industrial district, which is now part of the modern 22@ technology district. The restoration and adaptation of the structure played a key role in combining the preservation of the industrial heritage with the dynamic development of modern buildings. The building, once closed to the surrounding space, has become an open center of activity, integrating with the neighborhood and acting as a link between the past and future of this part of the city.

SWITCH, czyli nowa siedziba firmy Simon w Barcelonie - przekrój B

SWITCH, or Simon's new Barcelona headquarters - cross-section B

© b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos

from the industrial structure
to modern interiors

The project made full use of the building's existing structure, which made it possible to create spacious, well-lit interiors. The implementation of advanced technologies in the building's plumbing systems and equipment increased the comfort and functionality of the space. In turn, the transformation of the roof into a recreational space with gardens and renewable energy installations emphasized the sustainable nature of the project. Intelligent building management systems increased the building's efficiency, implementing digital tools that improved the management of workspaces, meeting rooms and common areas. Such solutions enabled the optimal use of resources, and offered modern mobility options, resulting in better organization and seamless operations throughout the facility.

SWITCH, czyli nowa siedziba firmy Simon w Barcelonie - widok na przestronne, dobrze doświetlone wnętrza

SWITCH, Simon's new headquarters in Barcelona - a view of the spacious, well-lit interiors

Photo by José Hevia © b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos

sustainable development
and revitalization of urban space

The building stands out for its minimal environmental impact, which was achieved through the use of sustainable materials, improved energy efficiency and active participation in the revitalization of the urban space. The project supports the development of the surrounding area, and the building is currently in the process of applying for LEED Platinum and Lean2Cradle certifications.

SWITCH, czyli nowa siedziba firmy Simon w Barcelonie - betonowa elewacja została niemal w całości wypełniona przeszklonymi prostokątnymi otworami okiennymi o głębokich ościeżach

SWITCH, which is Simon's new headquarters in Barcelona - the concrete facade has been almost entirely filled with glazed rectangular window openings with deep reveals

Photo by José Hevia © b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos

The building, which houses Simon's headquarters, sets a new standard for office spaces in Barcelona, while also demonstrating how existing buildings can be modernized and adapted to contemporary quality standards.

Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina

Illustrations provided courtesy of b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos studio.

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