The main objective of the El Departamento team has been to respect and recover the historical essence of this space, by preserving its characteristic elements such as the high ceilings with wooden beams, vaults and ornamentation. The intervention maintains the original structure and avoids the tributes of a new construction.
The interior shows a reinterpretation of Spanish culture and lifestyle. The common areas refer to the Spanish tradition of sharing and conversing around the table, being a place of meeting and socializing. The relaxation and rest area called "Spaces for siesta" is conceived as a playful and functional space creating a perfect balance between productivity and well-being.
Instead of imposing a modern aesthetic that breaks with the historical character of the building, materials and finishes are used that pay homage to the original details of Casa Degli Italiani. The interior spaces are characterized by their palette of warm and contrasting colors, such as maroon, blue and green, which add a contemporary touch to the design without breaking with the classic aesthetic.
Expanish School by El Departamento. Photograph by Miguel Fernández-Galiano.
Project description by El Departamento
The architecture and interior design studio El Departamento, led by Alberto Eltini and Marina Martín, has completed the intervention in one of the most unique historical buildings in Barcelona: Casa Degli Italiani, located in the Menéndez Vigo passage. The project was born as a new headquarters for the Expanish language academy and combines the building's rich architectural heritage with a new contemporary proposal that enhances its heritage value.
Preserving heritage and engaging with history
The Casa Degli Italiani, constructed between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, is a Renaissance-style building with eclectic influences that has undergone various transformations over the centuries. The primary challenge for the El Departamento team was to preserve and restore the essence of this space, maintaining its characteristic features such as high ceilings with wooden beams, vaulted ceilings, and decorative details, while adapting it to its new role as a language academy. The intervention focused on a conservative approach, embracing the building’s history and the passage of time, preserving its original structure, and avoiding imposing a new architectural style.
"Our goal was to establish a respectful dialogue between the old and the new. It’s not about erasing the past but integrating it into the present through an architecture that preserves and enhances the accumulated memory of the place."
Alberto Eltini.
Embrace the Tradition: Spaces inspired by local culture
For the interior layout, El Departamento reinterpreted Spanish culture and lifestyle, connecting the educational experience with the local context. Common areas, named "Tapas," are designed as gathering and socializing spaces, referencing the Spanish tradition of sharing and conversing around the table. Visually, these areas stand out with a warm, contrasting color palette of burgundy, blue, and green, adding a contemporary touch to the design without clashing with the building's classic aesthetics. Another area, dubbed "Siesta Spaces," serves as relaxation and rest zones within a dynamic working environment. This playful yet functional concept strikes the perfect balance between productivity and well-being.
Rich materials and custom furniture
Rather than imposing a modern aesthetic that would conflict with the building’s historic character, El Departamento curated a rich selection of materials and finishes that pay homage to the original details of the Casa Degli Italiani. Every window, door, molding, and ornament has been carefully restored, preserving their place in the building’s history. Custom-designed furniture fits seamlessly into the spaces. These unique pieces, conceived by El Departamento’s creative team, not only serve practical purposes but also reinforce the narrative of respect for the pre-existing structure, while adding subtle touches of modernity. Additionally, the incorporation of greenery throughout the interior enhances the sense of freshness and vitality.
Flexibility and open spaces
A key aspect of the intervention was the flexibility in both the planning and execution of the project. From the outset, El Departamento adopted an open strategy, allowing the team to adapt to the uncertainties that can arise when rehabilitating a historic building. This approach enabled the team to respond quickly to the variable conditions of the original structure and materials, embracing the imperfections of the original building to create a more authentic and respectful space.
"The building guided many of the decisions we made. We chose to incorporate its scars and flaws as integral parts of the design, acknowledging that its history is its greatest strength."
Marina Martín.
The new Expanish headquarters not only meets the functional demands of an educational center but also offers an aesthetic and technical solution that highlights the history of Casa Degli Italiani. The combination of respectful architectural intervention, natural light, and the integration of custom furniture and greenery makes this space a prime example of how restoration can honor the past while looking toward the future.
