The projects presented are part of a global project for the functional and energy rehabilitation of buildings A and B of the AMB. The buildings to be refurbished are part of a group of 5 buildings built by the Mitjans-Borrell architectural studio in 1973. The works that have been completed include the refurbishment of the entire ground floor (Buildings A and B), as well as the ground floor and access to Building A.
This refurbishment has made it possible to solve both the building’s regulatory shortcomings and to update the construction systems to the new energy requirements, as well as to adapt the office spaces to the new ways of working. The project goes further in the objectives of the Administration in relation to the reduction of emissions. We are moving from NZEB (nearly zero energy buildings) to ZIB (zero impact buildings). In this sense, the building is an example and laboratory of sustainable architecture, in all phases: design, construction and also in the use phase.
Building A is accessed through a portico-lobby, which acts as a distributor for all the public services required by the building: control area, check-in desks and the reception area, as well as the bicycle space. Next to the lobby, a large semi-public space is proposed, with the possibility of opening up completely to the garden. It is a multi-purpose space, with areas for exhibitions, waiting areas, meeting rooms and a cafeteria. The central nuclei of the staircases have also been redefined and a staircase has been adapted to connect directly to the ground floor. In addition to speeding up communication between floors, this staircase also generates a shaft of light for access to the basement.
The entire ground floor has a new envelope made of lacquered steel framing, wrought iron to wrought iron, independent of the curtain wall of the floors. The new wall guarantees optimum ventilation of the spaces, integrating the free-cooling system by means of motorised shutters controlled by the building’s BMS system. The building has been designed to generate different climate zones, depending on the use of the space.
The ground floors of buildings A and B are connected and completely refurbished. A documentary floor is proposed that concentrates the archive and cartography uses, in direct relation to the new library. It also includes new access vestibules from the car park, with more natural light. New changing rooms are proposed for the workers, with individual lockers and toilets, thus encouraging the use of bicycles.
