Actiu, a renowned Spanish brand in professional and contract furniture design, has furnished the Universidad Europea's new urban campus in Valencia. This historic building, once the Antiguo Asilo San Juan Bautista hospice, has been meticulously refurbished by Ramón Esteve Estudio to create a harmonious blend of architectural heritage and modern functionality. The campus, now welcoming nearly two thousand students daily, integrates Actiu's furniture to support its educational and collaborative ethos.
Situated near the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) and the former Turia riverbed, the building's refurbishment preserves its rich historical features, including Nolla mosaics, stone floors, and the original chapel. The project combines these heritage elements with versatile and efficient design, ensuring the space meets the demands of modern academic life while celebrating its cultural legacy.
The architectural restoration prioritised the preservation of the building's distinctive character. By carefully balancing original and contemporary materials, the design avoids stark contrasts, instead enhancing the building's unique charm. A stand out feature of the project is the extensive restoration of Nolla mosaics, a hallmark of Valencian and Catalan modernism, which elevates the site's cultural and architectural significance.
The building retains its original structure, with two wings housing classrooms and a central body accommodating common areas. Each classroom features a double façade, connecting to exterior gardens and interior cloisters. These cloisters not only serve as circulation spaces but also provide areas for relaxation and interaction.
Actiu's furniture collections play a pivotal role in this transformation. Common areas, designed to foster interaction and tranquillity, are equipped with the Meetia collection, including elegant armchairs and sofas. These pieces, crafted with simplicity and comfort in mind, align seamlessly with the project's values. Meetia is complemented by Tubbe storage and space-divider modules, adding both function and aesthetic appeal.
Classrooms feature the flexible Trama tables and Noom 50 chairs, upholstered and fitted with castors to allow for quick reconfiguration. In the cafeteria, lightweight Tabula tables and Fluit chairs ensure comfort and versatility, while supporting intensive use. Administrative areas are outfitted with Prisma desks and sound-absorbent partitions, ensuring privacy and efficiency. The Rector's Hall, a stately space adorned with original stucco, boasts an Arkitek table and Cron chairs, combining elegance with practicality.
An annex building, newly constructed to complement the historic structure, follows the same design principles. This extension seamlessly integrates into the site, further enhancing the campus's functionality and aesthetic coherence.
The refurbished Universidad Europea campus in Valencia is a testament to the integration of heritage preservation with modern design. It provides students with an inspiring environment that combines history, beauty, and practicality, underpinned by Actiu's innovative furniture solutions.
More information:
Actiu
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www.actiu.com