Light and color define the new English school "What's Up" in Barcelona, designed by Isabel López Vilalta

For Isabel López Vilalta + Asociados the challenge of What's Up was to carry out a project of great singularity within a limited budget. This new English Academy is located in the heart of Barcelona, in one of the most transient and commercial city streets.

Isabel López Vilalta + Asociados explain us,

A new identity was needed with a simple direct concept that connected with people through a fresh and current, identifiable and recognizable image - to create a lively, colorful atmosphere with a view toward the future and the innovation of new language-teaching techniques.

A mezzanine, previously used as offices, is converted into a large container. The total height is recovered to locate different spaces into it by way of independent boxes - semiopen for different uses - creating the degree of intimacy necessary for this type of activity; as opposed to the completely open and well-lit social areas, projections and studio - multipurpose uses - tailored to the requirements of the day.

To achieve the maximum natural light possible, classrooms and social areas are oriented all along the glazed façade which is fully open to the street. The light filters through them thereby reaching more central areas of the premises. This also helps us reclaim the exterior by way of seeing and being seen whilst showing the activities going on inside, thereby creating a dynamic, energetic environment simply by playing with colors; colors which in turn are the corporate brand.

TECHNICAL DATA

Project: WHAT's UP, English School
Location: Rambla Catalunya 53-55, Barcelona
Interior Designer: Isabel Lopez Vilalta + Asociados
Team: Isabel López
Montse Muñoz
Marta Alonso
Miquel Camps
Laura Monegal
Jordi Garcia
Núria Coll
Starting Date: June 2012
Completion Date: September 2012
Area: 434m2
Client: What's Up
Constructor: Mastercold
Engineering: Mastercold
Photographer: Eva García Bernal
Furniture: Ikea, Estel, Baladía&Valklein
Made to measure furniture designed by ILV+A
Lighting: Flos, JDOS and existing lights
Flooring: Forbo
Bar equipment: Made to measure furniture designed by ILV+A

Source: Isabel Lopez Vilalta + Asociados

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