Revitalising a historic space in Valencia

Involving the Universidad Europea

The Universidad Europea’s new urban headquarters in Valencia, Spain, is a testament to the seamless integration of historic architecture with modern functionality. This ambitious refurbishment project, led by Ramón Esteve Estudio, has transformed the Antiguo Asilo San Juan Bautista, an old hospice for minors, into a cutting-edge academic space.

At the heart of the transformation is Actiu, a leader in designing and manufacturing professional furniture, whose collections now grace classrooms, work areas, and communal spaces within the building.

Located opposite the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) and adjacent to the old Turia riverbed, the Antiguo Asilo San Juan Bautista is a historical building. The architecture is deeply rooted in Valencian heritage with its Nolla mosaics, stone floors, old chapel, and interior cloisters.

However, the refurbishment sought to preserve these elements and breathe new life into the space by adapting it for modern educational use. The careful selection of Actiu furniture played a key role in achieving this balance of heritage preservation and contemporary functionality.

The architectural project focused on enhancing the building’s historical value while introducing new materials and design elements to support the evolving needs of a modern university. The harmonious dialogue between the original structure and the latest interventions ensures that the space retains its historical charm while providing the comfort, versatility, and efficiency required for academic use.

The large Nolla mosaics, dating back to the 19th century and a hallmark of Valencian and Catalan modernism, are particularly striking. These mosaics, which now adorn classrooms and cloisters, have been carefully restored, making the Antiguo Asilo San Juan Bautista one of the Spanish buildings with the most extensive recovery of this valuable cultural heritage.

The building’s original layout has been preserved, with the main body housing common areas and the side wings housing classrooms and offices. The classrooms are designed with a double façade, allowing natural light to flood in while offering views of the internal cloisters and the external gardens. These cloisters are circulation spaces and areas for students and faculty to gather, reflect, and interact.

Functionality meets elegance

Actiu’s furniture collections have been integrated seamlessly into the university’s design, contributing to functionality and the space’s overall aesthetic. In the common areas, the Meetia collection, designed by Ramón Esteve, brings an elegant touch to waiting areas with its comfortable armchairs and sofas.

The minimalist design philosophy behind Meetia allows the furniture to blend effortlessly with the surroundings while offering comfort and ease of use. The modular Tubbe collection further enhances these spaces, providing highly functional storage and flexible space division.

Classrooms, designed for versatility, are equipped with Actiu’s Trama folding tables and Noom 50 chairs on castors to facilitate easy reconfiguration. These pieces’ flexibility allows for the rapid transformation of spaces to suit different teaching and learning styles. The choice of Tabula tables and Fluit chairs in the cafeteria reflects a commitment to comfort and practicality, enabling an adaptable layout that accommodates varying needs.

In the administrative areas, Prisma operating tables and modular storage units maintain a clean and consistent aesthetic, while sound-absorbent partitions ensure privacy for staff. For more formal spaces, such as the Rector’s Hall, the Arkitek table by Alegre Design and the Cron chairs create a stately and functional space, perfectly complementing the original period stucco.

The refurbishment revitalised the existing building and included the construction of a new annexe seamlessly integrated into the complex. The annexe, located west of the main building, follows the same design principles and is fully furnished with Actiu pieces, ensuring consistency across the entire campus.

This project at Universidad Europea’s Valencia campus represents the perfect blend of historical preservation and modern design. It offers students a space that is not only functional and adaptable but also rich in cultural heritage, creating an environment that encourages collaboration, focus, and innovation.

Actiu, a family-owned company with over 50 years of experience, is a leader in designing and manufacturing office and contract furniture. Known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Actiu’s products focus on well-being and environmental responsibility. With a strong international presence, Actiu continues to expand, offering high-quality, award-winning furniture that meets the needs of modern workplaces and educational environments alike.

Image: Located opposite the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) and adjacent to the old Turia riverbed, the Antiguo Asilo San Juan Bautista is a historical building. Credit: Actiu