Marina de Empresas has substantially expanded its architectural presence at La Marina de Valencia, with ERRE architecture firm completing a third building. This new addition significantly enhances the campus's capabilities for education and entrepreneurship, which already included two structures inaugurated in 2015, also by ERRE. The recently finished volume contributes an additional 7,600 square meters of usable floor area, providing space for almost 1,000 entrepreneurs. This expansion brings the campus's total footprint to 27,000 square meters, supporting the ongoing development of EDEM, Lanzadera, and Angels, the three key initiatives that form the Marina de Empresas ecosystem.
The building's design emphasizes adaptability and multi-functionality, creating a dynamic environment suitable for diverse work and interaction styles. At its core lies a luminous triple-height atrium, spanning 260 square meters with a nine-meter ceiling, serving as the primary communal hub. This expansive area is designed for dining and can be reconfigured for presentations and events, equipped with tiered seating for 100 attendees. A striking blue metal spiral staircase anchors the atrium, seamlessly connecting all four levels and transforming vertical circulation into an integral part of the building's spatial flow.
Contemporary Workspace: Integration and Adaptability
The interior layout, conceptualized by ERRE, is meticulously crafted to foster cohesion among the diverse communities within Marina de Empresas, encompassing EDEM scholars, Lanzadera startups, companies backed by Angels, and the broader professional network. Embracing the studio’s advanced Workplace methodology, the work areas are equipped with integrated technology and maintain an open, adaptable nature. These spaces range from private focus booths for individual concentration to larger meeting rooms designed for collaborative efforts. Each floor incorporates designated 'plazas,' which are social zones offering direct outdoor access, promoting informal interactions and providing opportunities for breaks. On the ground floor, double-height workspaces amplify the sense of openness, while strategically placed interior courtyards draw natural light deeper into the building's core, enhancing the overall ambiance.
The interior aesthetic harmoniously blends a warm material palette with an industrial flair, creating a welcoming yet contemporary atmosphere. The furniture selection is versatile, accommodating various working preferences, from high tables and stools ideal for brief, spontaneous meetings to expansive shared tables facilitating collaborative projects. Carpeting is thoughtfully incorporated throughout the open areas, serving a dual purpose by adding to the aesthetic appeal while significantly contributing to acoustic treatment, effectively reducing noise levels and enhancing concentration within the vibrant workspace. This thoughtful combination of design elements underscores a commitment to functionality, comfort, and a productive environment for all users.
Coastal Connectivity: A Facade Reflecting Its Surroundings
The building's exterior design powerfully resonates with its maritime environment. The various work areas offer expansive views of the harbor and prominent historical landmarks, including the Aduana building, the Tinglados, and the iconic Clock Building, seamlessly integrating the internal spaces with the external landscape. At the rooftop level, panoramic vistas across the harbor extend the working environment outwards, creating an inspiring setting. The southern facade is distinguished by a horizontal louvered envelope, skillfully engineered to regulate solar exposure while maintaining a consistent visual rhythm across the elevation. This system thoughtfully harmonizes with the two pre-existing campus buildings, while the southeast corner features a distinctive cantilever, specifically designed to frame breathtaking views toward the sea, adding a unique architectural signature to the structure.
The horizontal louvers are constructed from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), a composite material renowned for its association with naval construction. Chosen for its exceptional lightness, strength, and durability, GRP has traditionally been utilized for boat hulls, making it a fitting choice for this waterside development. Furthermore, the project incorporates roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, emphasizing sustainability, and utilizes locally sourced materials selected for their resilience against the specific conditions of the coastal environment. The adjacent outdoor area is slated for future revitalization into a landscaped pedestrian promenade, envisioned to revolve around the historic port crane. This thoughtful urban planning initiative aims to further enhance the connection between the campus and the picturesque landscape of La Marina de Valencia, fostering a vibrant and integrated community space.