The upper arm of the monumental cross has been installed atop the tower of Jesus Christ at Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família in Barcelona, marking the completion of the tower’s exterior at 176 meters above ground (find designboom’s previous coverage here). The milestone positions the cross as the highest point of the basilica and finalizes the grouping of its six central towers. Interior works within the structure are scheduled to continue through 2027 and 2028.

Conceived as the vertical and symbolic center of the Temple, the tower of Jesus Christ stands at 172.5 meters and is surrounded by the four towers of the Evangelists, each linked to it by bridges, and the tower of the Virgin Mary, connected internally. With its twelve-sided geometry and twelve levels of prefabricated panels, construction of the shaft began in October 2018 at a height of 85 meters. The final level was completed back in December 2024, reaching 142.5 meters before the pinnacle elements began to rise.

all images © Fundació Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família by Sean Mitchell Henry, unless stated otherwise

tensioned stone and off-site assembly

The tower employs a tensioned-stone building system that has shaped much of the recent construction strategy at the Sagrada Família, combining stone and steel that allows large panels to be manufactured off-site and installed level by level. At the base of the pinnacle, a 29-meter-high element clad in white enameled ceramic and brick carries the inscription ‘Tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus’ (You alone are the Holy One, you alone the Lord, you alone the Most High), framed by sculpted palms. Construction of this section began in May 2025.

The cross itself measures 17 meters in height and 13.5 meters in width, formed by four corrugated arms clad in glass and white enameled ceramic. Built in Germany in 2025, it was transported to Barcelona in modules and pre-assembled on a work platform 54 meters above the central nave. Installation took place in seven stages, including the lower arm, the core, four lateral arms, and finally the upper arm, positioned on February 20th, 2026.

The placement of the lower arm in October 2025 brought the tower to 162.91 meters. With the final piece now secured, the cross completes Gaudí’s envisioned silhouette. As described in the Quart Àlbum del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (1927–1929): ‘Resting on the four extremely tall columns of the crossing, the great lantern will rise up, topped at 176 metres above the ground with a magnificent cross with four corrugated arms from which to look out over the surroundings. In the middle, the Lamb of God.’  Inside the upper arm, a sculpture of the Agnus Dei by Andrea Mastrovito will be installed, while the Lamb envisioned by Gaudí will occupy the center of the cross, visible from within.

The upper arm of the monumental cross has been installed atop the tower of Jesus Christ at Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família in Barcelona | image © Fundació Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família by Pep Daudé

a centenary milestone

The culmination of the tower coincides with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, linking the latest phase of construction to the architect’s long-studied drawings and models. ‘Completion of the cross on the tower of Jesus Christ represents much more than the culmination of a phase of construction: it is the result of years of work and studying the legacy Antoni Gaudí left us. It is also a firm commitment to the future, to continue working to complete the Sagrada Família.’ head architect Jordi Faulí notes.

With the exterior of the tower of Jesus Christ now complete, attention shifts inward. The basilica’s vertical center has reached its intended height, but the project remains in motion, continuing the layered construction process that has defined the Sagrada Família for more than a century.

the completion of the tower’s exterior at 176 meters | image © Fundació Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família by Pep Daudé

the milestone positions the cross as the highest point of the basilica | image © Fundació Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família by Pep Daudé

conceived as the vertical and symbolic center of the Temple | image © Fundació Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família by Pep Daudé

construction of the shaft began in October 2018 at a height of 85 meters | image © Fundació Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família by Pep Daudé

the tower employs a tensioned-stone building system | image © Fundació Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família by Pep Daudé

the cross itself measures 17 meters in height and 13.5 meters in width

project info:

name: tower of Jesus Christ and cross, Sagrada Família | @basilicasagradafamilia

architect: Antoni Gaudí (original design)

head architect: Jordi Faulí

location: Barcelona, Spain

client: Fundació Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família

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Spanish bathroom brand, Roca, turned to the Barcelona-based studio Altherr Désile Park (ADP) for a contemporary update of its Meridian collection, seeking a studio that could demonstrate a sensitivity to an existing design, be respectful of its legacy, yet capable of bringing a new, fresh perspective. The updated Meridian collection successfully merges these requirements, offering a system of basins, furniture, and WCs characterized by fine materials and soft geometry. In this exclusive interview with designboom, designer Jannette Altherr shares insights into how the studio approached the sensitive task of evolving a classic bathroom design for the modern age, transforming its functional pieces with an architectonic quality.

‘We believe that everything is related – the user and their emotions, cultural context, the build and the natural environment, the materials, colors, production and resources. Every element is a matter of context. Meridian already has a powerful name that represents one of its important aspects: the arch as a symbol of Mediterranean architectural culture. This was crucial to preserve,’ begins Jannette Altherr.

Roca’s Meridian collection gets a contemporary update | all images courtesy of Roca

ROCA’S MERIDIAN CULTIVATES A SENSITIVE, ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH

Altherr Désile Park’s sensitivity to context was vital when approaching Roca’s Meridian line. The original collection’s crucial DNA was the arch, a powerful symbol of Mediterranean architectural culture. ADP translated this spirit by drawing inspiration from the austere, vernacular expressions found in the Spanish, Portuguese, or Greek countryside. This design choice reflects a commitment to reduced, elemental shapes, the interplay of strong light and shadow, and the use of noble materials like ceramic, wood, and metal. While ADP also works in the luxury sector, this project offered a unique opportunity to translate the quality, care, and attention typical of luxury design into products that are accessible to a broader audience — a core value shared with the Spanish brand. Rejecting the idea of constant invention, their approach favors an evolution that is subtle and deeply sensed.

‘There is this hype around the idea of breaking things and starting completely anew. I think that is, to a large degree, a myth. Sometimes it’s more important to keep, to care, and to delicately evolve things instead of throwing away and starting again,’ explains Altherr. ‘We spent hours defining a concept together with Roca, and “timeless balance” really captures the essence of the collection. When I think about timelessness, it relates to what we call collective memory. We preferred designing something that doesn’t seek to provoke or be aggressive. We looked for the opposite: something that makes you feel at ease and adds quality to your space. Something that speaks to all the senses including sound and touch — the subtle elements that create atmosphere, rather than just what is captured in a photograph.’

Barcelona-based studio Altherr Désile Park created the refreshed design

CONTEMPORARY UPDATES FOR A LIGHTWEIGHT AND DELICATE COLLECTION

ADP studio’s update focused on refining and lightening the Meridian collection. The original washbasin felt  too heavy in its appearance to fit the modern aesthetic of bathroom design. The solution was to utilize Roca’s Fineceramic® material, which permitted the use of super thin and delicate dimensions that were previously unachievable. This aesthetic reduction was paired with an increased function, adding a subtle frame and a dry zone. The soft, curving shape of the basin was inspired by the cultural importance of water, specifically referencing a drop falling onto a water surface, creating a gentle ripple.

‘If you have a small room and use thick, solid furniture, it can look out of proportion. To create something that feels refined and carefully done in a small dimension requires delicate detail. We had to translate the original pieces into a design way more contemporary and easy to use in real life. This meant adding storage, using the ceramic in a more up-to-date way, and utilizing Roca’s capacity with fine ceramic to do something more lightweight and delicate instead of a thick block. The pieces needed to become more practical, but also more refined and a bit more luxurious,’ states the designer.

Roca’s Fineceramic® material permitted the use of super thin and delicate dimensions

To create a richer ambiance, the material selection went beyond pure hygiene to enhance a sensuous quality. The furniture units use FSC-certified wood with a textured surface, and the metal elements feature a slightly rough lacquer finish that resembles cast metal. The color palette — white, black, and gold — is inspired by the Spanish light, which is characterized by strong white light and deep black shadows, balanced by the golden light of the early morning.

‘We wanted to think about materials as something that enhances a rich perception, rather than being driven only by hygiene. The aim was to create a “nice to touch” sensation. The surface of the wood is always textured and not finished with a lacquer. The metal is a bit rough, like cast metal. It has little pigments on the surface that break the light in a more complex way than a flat lacquer. This avoids the feeling of industrial dryness and adds more complexity to the surface,’ she shares.

made from FSC-certified wood, the furniture units respect the collection’s low-impact environmental footprint

A key technical and aesthetic victory was the redesign of the often-neglected backpack toilet where the water tank is sitting behind the toilet. While the in-wall flush is often preferred in high-quality projects, the backpack version is essential for older buildings lacking space to construct a double wall, or for hospitality and public settings requiring quick, inexpensive repairs.  ADP worked with Roca’s expertise to achieve a much straighter, more architectural language for this highly needed version, shifting the object’s perception from a bowl saddled with a backpack to a column that supports the bowl. This change brings a sense of solidity, fulfilling the studio’s ethos of providing quality design to a broad audience. Furthermore, the toilets utilize innovative flushing technologies such as the Rimless® Vortex System and dual-flushing systems to improve hygiene and optimize water consumption. 

‘We realized there is a real need for this backpack version. With Roca’s excellent development team and expertise, we managed to create a much straighter shape. We wanted to relax the gesture and make a connection to the architecture. Instead of the bowl carrying the water container, the water tank serves as a column supporting the bowl,’ adds Altherr to describe the design details that bring character to the collection.

ADP worked with Roca’s expertise to achieve a clean architectural language

The Meridian collection has already received important recognition, including a Red Dot Award in 2025. Functioning as an ‘alphabet of simple elements’ in multiple sizes, it allows for a wide range of configurations across diverse project needs. The system includes several washbasin options, from compact wall-hung versions to models designed to pair with furniture. These are complemented by two furniture lines: a wall-mounted wood container and a floor-standing metal structure that combines with wood drawers. By providing these flexible components, Altherr Désile Park has created a robust system that adapts easily to diverse spatial, aesthetic, and functional requirements, ensuring the collection can continue to evolve with the user and remain part of the home for many years.

the Meridian collection functions as an ‘alphabet of simple elements’ in multiple sizes

a standout feature is the construction of the asymmetric basins

Altherr Désile Park has created a robust system that adapts to diverse requirements

innovative flushing technologies improve hygiene and optimises water consumption

project info: 

name: Meridian

brand: Roca | @roca_global

design studio: Altherr Désile Park | @altherrdesilepark

material: Fineceramic®, FSC-certified wood, metal

recognition: Red Dot Award 2025

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In Barcelona’s Eixample district, interior designer Isern Serra has completed the first flagship store for RELLENO, a Madrid-born filled-pasta brand with a strong digital identity. The project translates the Spanish brand’s concept into architecture through a physical vocabulary of texture and reflective materials.

The design is anchored by a system of soft modules — foam-filled cushions wrapped in sustainable metallic Italian fabric — referred to as ‘rellenos,’ the Spanish word for ‘fillings.’ These elements line the space in a geometric grid, shaping an interior that is both tactile and immersive. Each piece reflects the product’s essence: the act of filling, of enclosing something within.

images © David Zarzoso

glowing interior design by isern serra

For RELLENO, which built its reputation on delivery and digital presence, the Barcelona flagship by Isern Serra marks a shift from virtual engagement to physical experience. Serra’s approach was to express the brand’s sophisticated and design-focused tone through a controlled palette.

The metallic fabric of the ‘rellenos’ glimmers under soft, adjustable lighting, producing a subtle dialogue between surface and glow. Stainless steel counters, mirror-clad pillars, and orange reflections reinforce a sense of precision and care. The neutral framework allows the brand’s packaging and pasta to emerge visually, mirroring the way fashion houses frame their garments within spare, luminous spaces.

RELLENO opens its first Barcelona flagship with a design-minded identity

a grid of metallic poufs

Across two levels of Relleno Barcelona, Isern Serra’s layout balances automated efficiency and human contact. The ground floor opens to a five-meter ceiling, with digital kiosks on one side and a stainless steel counter on the other, attended by staff. Above, an Inox lamp by MLK Furniture hangs like a suspended marker within the vertical volume.

Deeper inside, the ceiling drops to three meters, enveloping visitors in the ‘relleno’ grid. Seating poufs and a dispenser wall — each composed of the same metallic fabric — extend the visual language of filling into functional forms. The numbered slots for pickup integrate technology and craft, presenting the product as both designed object and meal.

Isern Serra builds the space around soft modular ‘rellenos’

reflective surfaces lend color-changing interiors

Lighting defines the store’s atmosphere as much as its materials. Neutral bases are illuminated by the reflective quality of the fabric and by RGB fixtures that flood the space primarily in orange, the brand’s signature color. At certain moments, the lightbox shifts hue, adapting to collaborations or events and amplifying the chromatic identity.

Upstairs, a custom sofa wraps the perimeter, its metallic surface mirroring the ceiling grid above. Circular stainless steel tables and stools, also by MLK Furniture, punctuate the room. A mirrored wall and a stainless-clad central pillar multiply the reflections, creating a sense of continuity between materials, light, and motion.

the design translates the brand’s filled-pasta concept into a design language

the upper level expands the metallic grid through custom seating and stainless steel furniture

immersive lighting in shifting colors creates an ever-changing atmosphere

a lowered ceiling wrapped in metallic poufs creates an intimate space

details include stainless steel counters and reflective surfaces

project info:

name: Relleno | @relleno.eu

interior design: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Barcelona, Spain

team leader: Aran Escudero

graphics: Omni | @omnidesign

completion: June 2025

photography: © David Zarzoso | @david_zarzoso

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BLOK, a tattoo studio designed by XAARCHIVE Studio in Badalona, Barcelona, reexamines the spatial and aesthetic qualities of clinical environments. Conceived under the concept ‘The Anti-Hospital: Rethinking Sterile Spaces,’ the project translates the visual language of medical precision into an industrial context.

The 80-sqm warehouse conversion employs polished concrete, locally sourced stainless steel, and handcrafted PVC curtains to define a flexible interior that shifts between transparency and opacity. The existing ceiling structure was exposed to reveal its original framework, while linear LED fixtures accentuate the geometry of the space and introduce a controlled, uniform illumination. The studio accommodates up to four artists simultaneously within a modular plan that supports multiple configurations. Mobile partitions and adjustable lighting systems enable the workspace to adapt to various functions, from tattooing to exhibition and consultation.

all images by Simone Marcolin unless stated otherwise

Industrial interiors define BLOK hybrid Tattoo Studio and gallery

Fabrication and material sourcing were carried out locally in Badalona and the surrounding metropolitan area, reinforcing the project’s commitment to regional production. Central to the space is the Canova Table, a custom piece designed by XAARCHIVE Studio through 3D scanning and binary encoding. This element extends the studio’s research into the intersections of data, materiality, and digital precision.

BLOK functions as a hybrid environment, part workshop, part laboratory, and part gallery, where architecture operates as a tool for examining the relationship between care, craft, and the human body. The project presents a systematic, locally grounded approach to spatial design that balances technical rigor with adaptability.

modular partitions allow fluid transitions between tattooing, painting, and resting

soft PVC curtains filter light and movement, transforming space through degrees of opacity

minimal furniture and polished concrete floor emphasize functional calm and precision

custom-made metal tables reflect both the technical and creative layers of the studio

tattoo station framed by translucent curtains defining intimate zones within an open plan

concrete ceiling and exposed wiring reveal the industrial shell that hosts the studio

BLOK tattoo studio functions as both a workshop and a laboratory

low table made of concrete blocks and a steel top expresses the studio’s raw and modular character

custom lighting detail highlights precision and material contrast within the industrial setting

raw materials like steel, concrete, and polycarbonate compose a flexible and durable environment

artworks and tools coexist within a mutable interior conceived for creation and rest | image by Sofía Suárez

at night, warm light softens the industrial character of the space, revealing its quiet rhythm | image by Sofía Suárez

red light diffuses through translucent curtains, softening the industrial space into a warm glow | image by Sofía Suárez

project info:

name: BLOK
architect: XAARCHIVE Studio | @xaarchive____

lead designers: Nayla Cefarelli, Sofía Lorenzo
location: Badalona, Barcelona

photographers: Simone Marcolin | @simoneemarcolin, Sofía Suárez

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Casa Batlló, Antoni Gaudí’s 1906 Barcelona landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site, adds a new layer to its long history with a permanent exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art. Opening on January 31st, 2026, the gallery occupies a 230-square-meter second-floor apartment that has remained closed to the public for decades. Barcelona-based studio Mesura restores the space, which will include new architectural interventions.

The inaugural exhibition, Beyond the Facade, will be staged by United Visual Artists (UVA), founded by Matt Clark. The exhibition is paired with UVA’s commission for the building’s iconic facade, featuring a new projection mapping piece created for the fifth edition of Casa Batlló’s annual mapping festival. Conceived as a prologue, the facade work will launch the same day the gallery opens.

Antoni Gaudí’s 1906 Barcelona landmark adds a new layer to its long history | image courtesy of Casa Batlló

inaugural show by united visual artists explores cycles of life

The initiative, called Casa Batlló Contemporary, signals a major step in how the iconic building engages with present-day culture. For the first time, Gaudí’s modernist interiors are renovated by the Barcelona-based team at Mesura to host two contemporary art shows annually, accessible either as part of the full visitor route or with a standalone ticket. According to program director Maria Bernat, the aim is to ‘foster a dialogue between the past and future,’ situating Gaudí’s radical vision within a contemporary framework.

The opening show will center on British art practice UVA’s exploration of cycles of life through light and movement. Known for projects that bring together art, architecture, and technology, UVA has previously exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, YCAM in Tokyo, and the Sydney Biennale. Their installation at Casa Batlló invites visitors to glimpse themselves within shifting patterns of light. 

Casa Batlló Contemporary signals a step in how the building engages with today’s culture | image via @sutton

mesura’s architectural intervention

Transforming Gaudí’s domestic floor into a gallery posed a challenge for the architectural team of Mesura. Historically, the second floor housed private apartments before later serving as a conservation workshop. The intervention restores original features such as woodwork and stained glass while introducing a new architectural language. Central to the redesign is a curved metal ceiling screen-printed with concentric ripples, resembling water disturbed by a drop. Produced with robotic technology, it provides structural support and a distinct identity without overwhelming Gaudí’s hand. ‘Our goal was to create an echo of his work, a whisper that adds to his universe without altering it,’ explains Carlos Dimas, partner at Mesura.

render of Casa Batlló Contemporary Exhibition Space, courtesy of Mesura

gaudí’s legacy in the 21st century

The project is timed to coincide with the centenary of Gaudí’s death in 2026, as well as Barcelona’s designation as World Capital of Architecture. For Casa Batlló’s directors, the new gallery embodies the idea of ’21st-century heritage’: a cultural institution that is both rigorously preserved and actively reinterpreted. General director Gary Gautier emphasizes that the gallery reinforces Casa Batlló’s role as a cultural beacon, expanding its identity beyond conservation toward innovation.

The transformation also reflects long-term planning. The new space was envisioned in Casa Batlló’s 2015 Master Plan, which set guidelines for conservation, use, and dissemination of the building. ‘Something we envisioned 10 years ago will soon become a reality: reviving a historic space, opening it to the city, and giving it a new purpose,’ says chief architect Xavier Villanueva.

Casa Batlló has already become a platform for digital and media-based art, commissioning works since 2021 from Refik Anadol, Sofía Crespo, and Quayola for its facade and interiors. With the launch of Casa Batlló Contemporary, those interventions expand into a permanent curatorial program. The new gallery positions the building as a historic icon of modernism but also as an active participant in Barcelona’s avant-garde cultural scene.

the intervention restores original features such as woodwork and stained glass | image via @sutton

graphic study of casa batlló facade mapping | courtesy of United Visual Artists

graphic study of casa batlló facade mapping | courtesy of United Visual Artists

Matt Clark portrait | image by Anne Ray, courtesy of United Visual Artists

project info:

name: Casa Batlló Contemporary

location: Casa Batlló | @casabatllo, Barcelona, Spain

architecture: Mesura | @mesura.eu

facade mapping 2026: United Visual Artists | @unitedvisualartists

area: 230 sqm second-floor gallery

opening: 31 January 2026

initiator: Casa Batlló Master Plan (2015)

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The newly opened JAÇ Hifi Café is a celebration of music, interior design, and coffee along Barcelona‘s Avinguda Diagonal. Curated by Spanish designer Isern Serra Studio for clients Ligia and Arnau, the café opened in July 2025 with a name that resonates on several levels. It’s a nod to jazz itself, a reference to Japan’s jazz kissa culture, and in Catalan, the word ‘jaç,’ meaning to recline and let go.

Inspired by Japanese jazz kissa — intimate listening bars that emerged in the 1950s — JAÇ embraces the tradition of music-first spaces. These historic venues favored wood-paneled interiors and speaker-focused seating to bring an atmosphere of shared listening and quiet attention.

images © Salva López

isern serra’s catalan design through a japanese lens

Designer Isern Serra reinterprets that kissa philosophy for a contemporary Mediterranean context, balancing tactile materials with a relaxed sense of hospitality. Covering 95 square meters (1,022 square feet), the café unfolds in a sequence of zones, each designed to create a different relationship with music and people, and with the city outside.

Visitors enter through a lounge hosting a concrete-based sofa with custom cushions. A sculptural Akari E lamp by Isamu Noguchi and walnut tables with lacquered beige tops set a soft, welcoming tone, while a Chidy Wayne artwork lends a graphic visual counterpoint.

JAÇ Hifi Café brings a Japanese jazz kissa tradition to Barcelona

furniture as sound architecture

The layout flows toward a monolithic walnut bar crafted by Fusteria Vidal that doubles as a giant speaker cabinet. Integrating a baked-goods display, vinyl shelves, and custom Bloom Island speakers, the bar reflects the kissa tradition of treating audio equipment as part of the architecture. The design team, led by Isern Serra, wanted the sound system to feel inseparable from the furniture, so that music becomes part of the room’s physical presence.

At the center, a stainless-steel table with a subtle brutalist edge occupies the space. Above it, Antoni Arola’s Lámina pendant casts a diffused glow, softening the crisp geometry and enhancing the table’s sculptural quality.

Isern Serra designs the warm and refined interiors

Toward the rear, a sweeping walnut installation curves across the walls and ceiling to form a semi-enclosed listening alcove. Built by Fusteria Vidal and divided by a cylindrical column lined with vinyl records, it houses stainless-steel Bloom Island speakers and low walnut tables with custom cushions. A Disco wall lamp by 20th century designers Jordi Miralbell and Mariona Reventós adds a sense of theatricality and creates an intimate cocoon of sound.

Additional nooks include a window niche that frames street views, and a facade clad in iroko wood stained as a continuation of the walnut interior. Four circular indents on the door allude to speaker cones, giving passersby a glimpse of the café’s sonic spirit.

a listening alcove creates an intimate cocoon for sound

the walnut bar doubles as a massive speaker cabinet

warm beige microcement contrasts with rich walnut surfaces

midcentury lighting shapes the atmosphere and marks transitions

custom Bloom Island speakers are integrated into the furniture

project info:

name: JAÇ Hifi Café

interior designer: Isern Serra | @isernserra 

location: Avinguda Diagonal 335, Barcelona, Spain

team leader, styling: Aasheen Mittal

photography: © Salva López | @salvalopez

carpentry: Fusteria Vidal
metalwork: Cabestany
sound system: Bloom Island
lighting: Akari E – Vitra by Isamu Noguchi / Lamina – Santa y Cole by Antoni Arola / Disco – Santa y Cole by Jordi Miralbell and Mariona Reventós
technical lighting: Wever & Ducre
artwork: Chidy Wayne
graphic design: NRJ Studio

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In Barcelona’s Raval district, MIAS Architects completes Lady Raval, a social housing project that revitalizes a once-fragmented building. Positioned on the emblematic Hospital Street, the team revamps a historic structure, weaving in the cultural richness of the neighborhood and the lived experiences of its community. Awarded first prize in the city’s competition, the restoration transforms a decaying apartment block into a bright housing complex built around a richly detailed central courtyard.

At the center of the transformation is the courtyard, brought back to life as both the heart of the building and a space shared by everyone who lives there. Once closed off and cluttered, it’s been opened up and redesigned as a calm, welcoming area that connects all the homes. The architecture here tells a story using textured walls, handmade ceramics, and colors inspired by everyday objects like fabrics, food, and tools. These elements reflect the different cultures and backgrounds of the people who live in Raval, many of whom are returning to live in this newly restored space. ‘The project is both a refurbishment of a historic building in central Barcelona and a tribute to the memory and cultural roots of its inhabitants,’ notes Josep Miàs, director and founder of MIAS Architects.

all images by Adrià Goula

lady raval transformed by removing additions

Internationally recognized MIAS Architects maintains the integrity of the original structure while reconfiguring the interior into a series of open, light-filled spaces that invite connection and comfort. Lady Raval is made up of two parts, one facing the street and another L-shaped wing that wraps around its central courtyard. Over the years, these spaces had been broken up into tiny units, with makeshift additions, even on the roof, making the building feel cramped and chaotic. The architectural team removed these additions and brought back a clearer layout, with two apartments per floor in the front building and three per floor in the wing. They kept the two staircases, added a lift in each section to make the building accessible, and a shop on the ground floor that still opens out onto the street, staying part of the daily life of the neighborhood.

MIAS Architects use handmade ceramic tiles in the courtyard

ceramic tiles narrate the residents’ personal stories

Working closely with architect and ceramist Carlos Jiménez Cenamor, MIAS Architects use handmade ceramic frames in the courtyard to bring in patterns and shapes inspired by the cultural backgrounds of the residents. These ceramic details are tied to personal and collective stories, helping the space feel familiar and full of meaning. The colors are bright and warm, and together with plants that hang from balconies, they give the courtyard a sense of life.

MIAS redesigned Lady Raval’s circulation areas, staircases, landings, and hallways so they feel open and welcoming. With added windows and carefully placed openings, light passes through the whole building, and people can see and connect with each other.

at the center of the project is the courtyard

these ceramic details are tied to personal and collective stories

the colors are bright and warm, reviving the space

bringing in patterns and shapes inspired by the cultural backgrounds of the residents

these elements reflect the different cultures and backgrounds of the people who live in Raval

MIAS Architects maintains the integrity of the original structure

reconfiguring the interior into a series of open, light-filled spaces

the project transforms a decaying apartment block into a bright housing complex

project info:

name: Lady Raval

architect: MIAS Architects | @miasarchitects

location: Raval, Barcelona, Spain

ceramics: Carlos Jiménez Cenamor (DelAmorYlaBelleza) | @delamorylabelleza

photographer: Adrià Goula | @adriagoulaphoto

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Siroko, the Asturian sportswear and accessories brand, has opened its first concept store in Barcelona in collaboration with architecture and interior design studio El Departamento. Located at 113 Rambla de Catalunya, the 149-square-meter space explores the relationship between natural environments and sports technology through a series of spatial and material transitions. This is the second collaboration between Siroko and El Departamento, following the brand’s flagship store in Madrid. The Barcelona project continues the established design direction while introducing new conceptual and material strategies. The store is organized as a sequence of interconnected rooms, each treated as a discrete volume that accommodates a specific part of the retail program. These spaces are defined by their independent lighting schemes and distinct atmospheres, creating a spatial rhythm that supports the brand’s narrative.

El Departamento’s approach references elemental natural forms, such as ice, stone, earth, and vegetation, and translates them into a spatial language informed by sports technology. This creates a continuous dialogue between organic textures and synthetic materials. The palette relies on earthy tones, with an emphasis on blue, and includes modular, reconfigurable display systems that balance adaptability with visual coherence.

all images by Jonathan Ristagno

Modular Systems and Lighting schemes Shape the space

Lighting plays a central role in defining the spatial experience. Each room is equipped with ceiling-mounted light panels operating independently, reinforcing the segmented structure of the space. Integrated lighting within the display cabinetry further supports visual continuity and enhances product presentation. At the core of the store is the ‘Siroko Custom’ zone, which reprises elements from the Madrid location. The space features an open-grid ceiling (tramex) supported by a structural system that also functions as a vertical product display. Materials such as micro-perforated metal sheets and stainless steel contribute to a tactile and technical visual identity, while also allowing textures to shift under changing light conditions.

Ultimately, this project encapsulates studio El Departamento’s vision of contemporary retail, where spatial experience transcends traditional commercial function to become a full immersion into Siroko’s values. Through the interplay of material, light, and spatial sequence, the store presents a considered response to contemporary retail design. With this opening, Siroko expands its physical presence in Spain, reinforcing a brand image defined by technical precision and engagement with the outdoor environment.

Siroko opens its first concept store in Barcelona in collaboration with El Departamento

a sequence of rooms creates a rhythm of distinct spatial experiences

each room functions as an individual volume within the retail journey

independent lighting schemes define atmosphere and orientation

modular display systems adapt to different product arrangements

ceiling-mounted light panels operate independently in each room

organic textures are combined with synthetic materials

integrated lighting enhances product presentation and material depth

a distinctive open-grid ceiling links this store to its Madrid counterpart

micro-perforated metal sheets contribute to a technical visual identity

the design balances retail functionality with brand storytelling

Siroko’s Barcelona store strengthens its identity through spatial design

project info:

name: Siroko Concept Store Barcelona

architect: El Departamento | @eldepartamento.estudio

area: 149 sqm

location: 113 Rambla de Catalunya, 08008, Barcelona

lead architects: Alberto Eltini & Marina Martín

construction company: Triangular

lighting: Ilumisa

furniture design: El Departamento

mirrors: El Departamento

textiles: Deco&You

screens: Mood Media

photographer: Jonathan Ristagno | @jonathanristagno

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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An apartment, or ‘piso’ designed by Isern Serra, sits in the vibrant heart of the Barcelona‘s seaside neighborhood of Barceloneta. Within its walls, collectible design and Mediterranean sensibilities meet to create an interior that feels at once curated and deeply personal, all documented by photographer Salva López. 

Barceloneta’s narrow streets and maritime character provide a fitting backdrop for an apartment that balances contemporary expression with a respect for history. The project begins with the removal of the original partitions that fragmented the space, making way for an open-plan layout that draws natural light across the living, kitchen, and dining areas. A balcony extending the length of the facade connects the apartment to its surroundings, while the more private bedroom suites are tucked near the entrance.

images © Salva López

isern serra’s gallery for living in barceloneta

Isern Serra conceives the interiors of his Piso Balconetta are conceived as a living gallery. The Catalan designer assembles a selection of objects, furniture, and artworks chosen as much for their emotional resonance as their aesthetic value. Pieces from emerging artists and established designers stand side by side, forging connections between eras and disciplines. Mid-century classics sourced from Fenix Originals and Polop Store share space with contemporary works from Vasto Gallery and other independent studios.

Materials play a central role in shaping the apartment’s atmosphere. Warm woods, hand-finished ceramics, and patinated metals contribute a tactile richness. A built-in concrete sofa anchors the living area, its robust form softened by linen cushions and complemented by collectible design pieces such as the waxed aluminum Section Coffee Table by Paul Coenen and Philippe Starck’s Dr. Sonderbar Chair.

Isern Serra transforms a historic apartment in Barceloneta into an open-plan living gallery

spaces unified by mediterranean craft

Microcement unifies flooring and walls in a single tone, as Isern Serra reinforces visual continuity and enhancing the sense of calm throughout his Piso Barceloneta. The kitchen, crafted in natural oak, introduces warmth and contrast, framed by curved walls that define the cooking area as a sculptural element within the space. A built-in concrete island, softened by rounded corners, serves as both workspace and gathering point.

Vintage stools from the 1960s lend character to the kitchen island, while a handcrafted dining table by Fusteria Vidal anchors the dining area. Overhead, 1987 Santa & Cole Sísísí lamps and a mix of vintage Markelius and Quadra chairs create a dialogue between past and present.

interior partitions are removed to create a continuous space flooded with natural light

In the bedroom, texture takes precedence. A large artwork by Mark Bohle sets a contemplative tone, complemented by the warm glow of Jaume Ramirez’s Fragile Lamp for Marset. A Cambier Studio L4 stool and Andreu Jaumot’s J45 lamp introduce elements of emerging design, adding layers of personality.

The bathroom continues the theme of material simplicity. Translucent glass bricks filter daylight from the building’s inner patio, preserving privacy while illuminating the space. Microcement extends across floors, walls, and ceiling, with a small circular opening in the shower partition creating visual connection throughout.

A second bathroom finished entirely in dark green microcement forms a deliberate contrast within the apartment’s otherwise neutral palette. Rather than appearing as an isolated statement, it integrates naturally into the broader narrative — a space that embraces both minimalism and bold gestures.

a built-in concrete sofa and collectible design pieces anchor the living area with texture and form

the kitchen features natural oak cabinetry and a sculptural concrete island

microcement floors and walls establish visual continuity and a serene, Mediterranean atmosphere

a bathroom is illuminated through a wall of glass blocks

vintage and contemporary furniture from Vasto Gallery, Fenix Originals, and Polop Store create layered character

project info:

name: Piso Barceloneta

designer: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain

team leader, styling: Aasheen Mittal

photography: © Salva López | @salvalopez

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Casa Batlló, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most emblematic residential works, has been undergoing an ambitious process of restoration over the past year, led by architect Xavier Villanueva. The project, now set to open to the public on June 19th, focuses on returning the vivid intricacy of the building’s rear facade, private courtyard, and garden to their original condition as first designed in 1906. This period marked Gaudí’s mature phase within the Catalan modernisme movement in which he began synthesizing structural experimentation, ornamental craft, and spatial poetry into unified architectural compositions.

Over the years, the iconic dragon-scaled elevation has continued to draw crowds as it animates the Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona, while also becoming a platform for key cultural initiatives, from Sofia Crespo’s projection-mapped facade to Kengo Kuma’s shimmering staircase and Refik Anadol’s digital interventions. While that elevation has evolved into an icon of modern Barcelona, the lesser-seen rear facade remained largely hidden from view as its character gradually faded with time and became obscured by later additions over the past century. Now, as Casa Batlló marks 20 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the concealed domestic spaces are set to reemerge with the clarity and vibrancy Gaudí intended.

Restoration teams uncovered the original hues of the stucco, ironwork, and carpentry hidden beneath layers of pale repainting, while discovering previously unseen spatial and structural features such as a spiral-shaped vaulted support system of brick and iron beneath the balconies. Mosaic patterns, parabolic pergolas, handcrafted planters, and original Nolla tilework were also reassembled with the help of skilled artisans, bringing back texture, rhythm, and intention. ‘When we discovered the original colors, we couldn’t believe it, The facade as it stands is now like the photographic negative of the original by Gaudi,’ says Villanueva. ‘The discoveries we made relate in shapes, colors, and materials to the rest of Casa Batlló.’

pergola after restoration | image © Claudia Mauriño

hidden Color, craftsmanship, & structure return to Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló was designed as a private garden space for the Batlló family, and its courtyard was conceived as a place of retreat from the city’s bustle, amid tiled paths, parabolic pergolas, and handmade planters. This restoration is the first full intervention on the courtyard and back facade since its completion, recovering lost elements while reinterpreting them through an exacting study of archival drawings and photographs, stratigraphic testing, and material research.

The interventions seem to foster a dialogue between the building’s past and present through a particular focus on materiality. Over 85,000 pieces of Nolla mosaic, originally laid at the start of the nineteenth century in the courtyard, have been restored or replicated by hand, using enhanced materials to ensure durability outdoors. The trencadís mosaics, Antoni Gaudí’s signature patchwork of ceramics and glass, were largely preserved in situ where possible, or carefully reproduced using 3D scans and high-resolution archival imagery, keeping their original patterns intact.

facade after restoration | image © Claudia Mauriño

Ironwork, including railings and pergola structures, has been restored by Enric Pla Montferrer’s workshop in Alpens. Where previous repairs had introduced welds, the team reinstated Gaudí’s original bolted modular system that was discovered thanks to original construction markings found on site. During the restoration, the team found that even the hidden structure supporting the balconies revealed surprises, such as a spiraling system of brick and reinforced vaults, radical for its time, and undocumented until this recent intervention.

Wooden elements, from the original muntins to balcony doors, were restored or recreated by heritage carpenter Josep Bartolí. Crucially, the original hues — long buried under decades of repainting — were uncovered through stratigraphic analysis, revealing a palette that echoes the green tones of Casa Batlló’s main facade. The stucco too revealed a dramatic shift from a bold black that had faded to a warm cream, reshaping how the entire rear facade is perceived in contrast to the theatrical flourish the building is otherwise celebrated for.

courtyard after restoration | image © Claudia Mauriño

the landmark celebrates 20 years as UNESCO heritage site

For the restoration team, the project forms part of a broader five-year initiative to reframe Casa Batlló as a living cultural space. Now marking its 20th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the building is celebrated as an architectural landmark — a pivotal work within Gaudí’s built legacy — as well as an evolving site of public engagement. This approach stretches the impact of conservation beyond historical fidelity, and considers it in the context of public access, education, and craft.

To realize this vision, the team brought together a multidisciplinary group of artisans including ceramicists, carpenters, ironworkers, and glaziers, who worked collaboratively to recover Gaudí’s original materials and techniques. Their work is being documented and shared through a short film and accompanying on-site exhibitions, allowing visitors to understand the process and labor behind the final restoration. These efforts speak to a broader goal to make the house more accessible and legible, inviting the public into Gaudí’s world by illuminating the layers of experimentation, technique, and creative labor that continue to define it more than a century on.

ironwork after restoration | image © Pere Vives

trencadís after restoration | image © Casa Batlló

mosaic restoration process | image © Casa Batlló

mosaic restoration process | image © Casa Batlló

trencadís restoration process | image © Casa Batlló

ironwork restoration process | image © Óscar Rodbag

trencadís restoration process | image © Casa Batlló

project info:

name: Casa Batlló restoration | @casabatllo

location: Barcelona, Spain

lead restoration architect: Xavier Villanueva

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