The rehabilitation of the Dr. Pujadas Building, built in the 1970s and located in the Sant Joan de Déu Health Park in Sant Boi de Llobregat, aims to implement the new Center for Research and Innovation in Emotional Health of the Sant Joan de Déu Health Park (RISE Center). This center seeks to promote research in mental health to generate a positive impact on society, fostering collaboration and innovation among interdisciplinary groups and other organizations related to emotional health. Consistent with the center’s vision of advancing knowledge in this field, the design of the new building is based on three strategic lines:

1- Functional and welcoming environment for research and teaching: The design of the building follows criteria of flexibility, humanization, health and accessibility, ensuring that the interior spaces are comfortable, adaptable and respectful of the well-being of users. Universal accessibility is guaranteed through the Clear Code Architecture® method and the quality of the interior environment by prioritizing healthy Friendly Materials®.

2- Integration into the environment with an innovative image: The aim is for the building to harmonize with its surroundings and reflect its purpose, in addition to generating a new focus of activity and relationships that enrich the Park’s healthcare activity. In this regard, the Flexbrick façade system plays a key role. This innovative cladding brings a uniform and modern image to the building, enhancing its aesthetics and making it stand out within the park’s surroundings. Flexbrick not only beautifies the building, but also offers significant functional advantages, such as increased durability and protection from the elements, contributing to the building’s energy efficiency. The Flexbrick system’s ability to integrate diverse materials and textures allows for customization that reinforces the RISE Center’s visual identity, while facilitating the creation of a terrace and atrium that promote interaction between people and optimize circulation and internal orientation.

3- Focus on bioclimatic behavior, environmental comfort and structural adaptation: Given that the original building was constructed in the 1970s, the structure is intervened in order to adapt the space to the new uses and their respective loads. We also act on the building envelope to improve the bioclimatic behavior of the building, reduce its energy consumption and increase the thermal and acoustic comfort of the users in the interior spaces. Here, Flexbrick also contributes significantly to the bioclimatic performance of the building, improving its insulation and reducing the need for artificial air conditioning.

The architectural design of the center is aligned with its research and innovation activity in emotional health. The building aims to become a valuable component of the mental health ecosystem, creating an environment that fosters experiences consistent with the RISE Center’s values and philosophy.