The new Administrative Campus of the Generalitat de Catalunya, located in the Zona Franca of Barcelona, has been managed with BIM methodology (Building Information Modeling). A project with avant-garde architecture that has been designed to obtain maximum quality workspaces. Located in the Marina del Port de Barcelona neighborhood, this 58,000 square meter complex has become the first property in Catalonia with LEED PLATINUM and WELL certifications, which measure user well-being, and is the largest office building in all of Europe with WELL certification.
The use of BIM methodology has played a fundamental role, as it has allowed the different agents of the project to work through the same platform, sharing and verifying data with each other in real time. "The Generalitat provided us with models in different formats (RVT, IFC, NWC) that were separated by disciplines: architecture, structures, installations, and urbanization models. In total, there were more than 30 files," points out Pablo Martínez, BIM Coordinator at BIM6D, in the latest installment of the AbiertoXObras section of the specialized consultancy Espacio BIM, who acknowledges that the main problem was that "each file was made by different external agents, so we have had to study each of the models separately and see their particularities."
Once all the models were adapted to the needs or objectives, Martínez continues, "we got to work to start classifying both the spaces and the assets to be maintained." To carry out the audit of these models, this company used the POWERBIM tool, as it allows them to federate any 3D format file and make reports of the federated models.
One of these data formats is IFC, developed by buildingSMART, and as explained by Borja Sánchez Ortega, Project Director and Director of the International BIM Manager Master (+VR) of the aforementioned consultancy, "its purpose is to allow the exchange of a BIM model without the loss or distortion of the information it contains."
Quality and well-being
The new Administrative Campus of Catalonia, located in the Zona Franca of Barcelona, has been designed to offer a superior class office building. It has a very carefully designed lighting system in every space, aligning it with circadian rhythms to minimize the feeling of fatigue among workers as much as possible. In addition, movement within the building is promoted, as the same route can be taken through different circuits with proper signage.
The campus image opts for chromatic and material continuity with the architectural project, using ash wood that provides warmth, combined with white tones that provide clarity and luminosity. The corporate colors of the Generalitat are also found in the relevant spaces, accompanied by sober, neutral finishes and matching colors.
In addition to fully meeting the required program, the aim was to create differential spaces such as the iconic oval areas in the common spaces. Custom-made furniture was also designed to generate collaborative and more informal meeting spaces, wagon spaces, and encounter spaces.