Madrid-based interior designers and architects, Isabel Lopez Vilalta + Asociados, have designed the What’s Up English Academy project. Completed in 2012, the new academy is located in Barcelona, Spain. According to the architects: “The challenge was to carry out a project of great singularity within a limited budget. 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 colours; colours which in turn are the corporate brand.”
Images courtesy of Eva García Bernal
