The challenge of the refurbishment of the Business Faculty at the University of Mondragón in Oñati (Gipuzkoa) consisted of adapting the existing spaces to the needs of the users and to current learning methodologies. For this, we devised a participatory design process including all the parties involved (students, teachers, and administrative staff) to define a Strategic Design Brief for the building. The existing traditional classrooms were transformed into open, flexible, and connected spaces that foster innovative educational experiences and methodologies.

We carried out a detailed analysis of the building, its surroundings, the different people who use it, the different programs it offers, and how all these elements interact. The results are reflected in an idea that guides all interventions and the concept design for the entire building: “Weaving networks”. The concept of networks is materialized in a series of lines created from metal tubes as sculptural elements that connect the different spaces and common areas. These network tubes can transform themselves into furniture, support signage, lighting, and audio-visual systems. The networks reflect the personal journey of each user. Every learning experience is personal, unique, and unrepeatable and the weaving networks manifest this idea connecting the different choices, the common grounds, the field trips, the placements, the scholarships, etc.

Following the Brief, the first phase was carried out involving three areas of the building for which the design included also the furniture, the signage, and the graphic design of the elements integrated into the spaces:

The second phase of refurbishment of this building has been completed and the third phase will start in the near future.