Disseny Hub Barcelona

Beneath the sleek, metallic facade of the Disseny Hub Barcelona, a hidden world awaits. The Disseny Hub Barcelona isn’t just a building. It’s a story waiting to be told. A story of design, innovation, and the ever-evolving spirit of Barcelona. The Disseny Hub Barcelona opened its doors in 2013, a futuristic vision brought to life by MBM Arquitectes. The building itself is a testament to design, a striking parallelepiped sliced at angles, echoing the width of Avila Street. This architectural choice creates a visual link between the street and the Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, without obstructing the view of the central park. The Disseny Hub Barcelona is more than just a museum; it’s a hub of creativity. It houses the Barcelona Design Museum, the FAD (Fostering Arts and Design), and the BCD (Barcelona Design Centre). These organizations, once scattered throughout the city, now reside together, fostering collaboration and innovation. The Disseny Hub Barcelona also incorporates a library, auditorium, and spaces for temporary exhibitions. Beneath the plaza, a vast subterranean world unfolds, containing the main exhibition hall, a library, research and educational areas, and even a shop and cafeteria. Natural light filters into this underground space through a large reflecting pool, a sunken courtyard that illuminates the heart of the DHUB. Six skylights emerge from the plaza above, acting as both light sources and showcases for the center’s activities. The Disseny Hub Barcelona’s design is a delicate balancing act. It provides a neutral backdrop for its diverse programs while simultaneously showcasing Barcelona’s ambition as a leading design center. The building’s exterior is clad in dark gray metallic plates, a composition of zinc, cast iron, and aluminum, giving it a distinctly industrial aesthetic. This is contrasted by the vibrant green carpet of the plaza and the interactive, light-based graphics embedded in the ground. These graphics, a project by BruumRuum, react to the sounds of the city, creating a dynamic interplay of light and sound. The Disseny Hub Barcelona is also a model of sustainability. It boasts an “A” energy rating, achieved through features like passive sustainability, rainwater reuse systems, and photovoltaic panels. Even the auditorium’s seating is designed with both comfort and flexibility in mind, using convertible seats that can transform into small workspaces. This adaptability reflects the dynamic and ever-changing nature of design itself. The Disseny Hub Barcelona is a testament to Barcelona’s commitment to design. It is a place where the past, present, and future of design converge.