Once a glass and ceramics factory, the modernist building in Barcelona is up for a transformation. Its new identity – 22 Palms – will see us turn it into an office complex. The original structure will be preserved.

In honour of the building’s past, the two additional floors are fitted with glass, which bathes the interiors in a natural light. The resulting ambience conjures references to the Sagrada Familia where some of the former factory’s creations were installed.

Inside, we divided the interior into zones to cater to the changing requirements of today’s workforce. It’s designed to respond to universal human needs like a sense of belonging and community. The different zones help transition from deep work mode to collaborative team meetings and informal moments. A respect for ergonomics is visible in the floor plan, as well as solutions like the acoustic panels, furniture, and air-purifying plants.

Considering the favourable climate, outdoor spaces are not an afterthought. We designed the inner courtyard and rooftop terrace to encourage the building’s users to shift some of their activities outside. Individual workspaces and meeting areas will be placed throughout.

22 Palms illustrates the significant part architects and designers play in today’s workplace and human resource management. It demonstrates the role architects may have in shaping the future of the office.