Barcelona Design Hub, DHUB (SPAIN)

Barcelona, a city renowned for its rich design heritage, stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation. This tradition culminates in the Barcelona Design Hub (Disseny Hub Barcelona, DHUB), a dynamic facility that brings together design professionals, enthusiasts, and the general public. Inaugurated in 2014, the Design Hub consolidates its role as a central hub for design and creativity, bringing together various design collections, a museum and a public library previously dispersed throughout the city. Within this vibrant context, Roca’s design ethos is in perfect alignment with Dub’s mission, creating a synergy that strengthens both entities. This long-standing partnership, marked by Roca’s patronage of the Barcelona Design Centre (Barcelona Centre de Disseny, BCD) and sponsorship of the internationally acclaimed Barcelona Design Week, places Roca at the forefront of the design community and reaffirms its commitment to the global design conversation.

Located on the edge of Plaça de les Glòries, next to Jean Nouvel's Torre Agbar, the DHub is an architectural masterpiece. Designed by the renowned MBM Arquitectes, the building is an example of contemporary design at its best. The structure’s angular, metal-clad exterior, composed of zinc sheeting and glass, exudes a modern, industrial elegance. It also boasts two environmental certification labels, including the Distintiu de garantia de qualitat ambiental, a Catalan eco-labelling system that recognises products and services that surpass mandatory environmental quality requirements.

The collaboration between Roca and the DHub goes beyond mere product placement; it embodies a deep integration of design philosophies. Roca bathroom solutions were chosen for their adaptability, versatility, and durability within the space, ensuring a seamless blend of functionality and style. The DHub’s architecture and multi-functional spaces - from exhibition halls to the cafeteria and terrace - are designed to inspire and engage visitors, reflecting the vibrancy of the design and creative industries. Roca’s products, seamlessly integrated into the hub’s restroom facilities, enhance this environment and demonstrate how thoughtful design can enhance everyday experiences.

The sleek, modern aesthetic of the restrooms is achieved with Roca’s under counter Foro basins and Loft E faucets. The Foro basins, with their smooth, flowing lines and integrated countertop installation, create a simple yet dynamic look complementing the overall design of the DHub. Their durable material and easy-to-clean surfaces make them a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

The Loft E faucets not only provide ease of use with their ergonomic handles, but also contribute to water conservation through advanced flow control technology. The minimalist style of the wall-hung Meridian basins save space and offer a clean, contemporary look in keeping with the hub’s architectural theme. Public soap or gel dispensers with sensors add an extra touch of modern convenience, ensuring hygiene and reducing waste with their precise dispensing mechanism.

The accessible toilets are fitted with a wall-hung toilet from the Access collection. Their concealed cisterns and minimalist appearance contribute to a spacious, uncluttered feel, while their efficient flushing system ensures optimum performance with minimal water usage. To further improve accessibility, these toilets feature an Access tilting mirror for maximum viewing, and the inclusion of a large Meridian basin combined with Loft electronic faucets for maximum convenience without compromising on style.

The dynamic relationship between Roca and the Barcelona Design Hub underscores the power of collaboration in the realm of design. By integrating Roca’s cutting-edge bathroom solutions into the fabric of the Design Hub, both entities highlight the importance of design in enhancing our living spaces. Through their partnership, Roca and the Barcelona Design Hub continue to inspire and drive the design community forward, creating functional, deeply meaningful and aesthetically pleasing spaces.