Arquitectura para envejecer sano y activo / Architecture for healthy and active ageing

Since 1989 ESDi Higher School of Design, centre attached to Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), is engaged to people who dare to redesign the world, and design and build its future. Its mission is to transmit art and design knowledge by a creative process governed by analysis, effort and talent.In 1992, ESDi becomes the first centre in Spanish State in teaching Design university studies, awarding the own Degree of Universitat Ramon Llull: “Official Undergraduate Degree in Design”. Following… Show more Since 1989 ESDi Higher School of Design, centre attached to Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), is engaged to people who dare to redesign the world, and design and build its future. Its mission is to transmit art and design knowledge by a creative process governed by analysis, effort and talent.In 1992, ESDi becomes the first centre in Spanish State in teaching Design university studies, awarding the own Degree of Universitat Ramon Llull: “Official Undergraduate Degree in Design”. Following the same line, in 2000 the academic fusion with Escola d’Arts i Tècniques de la Moda (EATM) of Barcelona is signed, strengthening in this way both textile and fashion speciality and the rest of the taught studies.Since the academic year 2008-2009, ESDi teaches Official Undergraduate Degree in Design as a centre attached to Universitat Ramon Llull, following the guidelines settled by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This is a very important fact that will enable the designer, once graduated, to gain admittance to master’s degree or national and international world of work under the same conditions of the rest of Official Degrees.In this way, ESDi-URL has become the first Spanish university in offering Official Undergraduate Degree in Design in all its disciplines: Graphic, Product, Interior, Fashion, Audiovisual and Design Management (Multidisciplinary Integration). Also the centre has been pioneer in teaching design third year studies, specifically teaching an Official Master’s Degree which opens the access doors to Design doctorate.ESDi structures its educational activity in different Educational Units and Knowledge Development (UDDC) and in Experimentation and Application Units (UEA). The centre combines teaching, knowledge transfer and research diffusion. Since 2012 the centre has a research group approved by Universitat Ramon Llull (URL): TADD, Theory, Analysis and Development of Design. Show less

The goal of REHAB iNOVA is to convert existing multifamily, or single-family buildings into cost-effective and healthy real estate. We do this by reducing the costs generated by the building and increasing the potencial of the building for future needs and functions, like those for elderly people or new ways of cohabitation.Why renovate?I. Maintaining the value of the building "Every building suffers from derogation and therefore loses value. Although this type… Show more The goal of REHAB iNOVA is to convert existing multifamily, or single-family buildings into cost-effective and healthy real estate. We do this by reducing the costs generated by the building and increasing the potencial of the building for future needs and functions, like those for elderly people or new ways of cohabitation.Why renovate?I. Maintaining the value of the building "Every building suffers from derogation and therefore loses value. Although this type of property has a very high value, we usually do not look after it as we do with our car or motorcycle, doing technical maintenance or annual reviews. The technology available enables us to extend the life of a building much beyond the theoretical 50 years. Besides, we are almost forced to do so, for sustainability and for future generations to equally enjoy our heritage."II. The energy costs increase permanently "We are experiencing a major energy revolution. A tenant is up to date and knows that not only will he have to pay the rent, but also the bills for water, electricity and heating. On the one hand, we can offer alternative ways to generate clean energy, and on the other hand, a good building design that can prevent the overheating of the building and also prevent unnecessary heat loss, and thereby achieve cost saving." III. The society is changing "Society is changing and so are its needs. The ways of living and coexisting are dynamic. Not only can we buy or rent our homes, but there are also alternatives such as co-housing or cloud-housing, which set new ways of cohabitation and building organizations.""The ageing of society is imminent and it is necessary to prepare the existing housing stock for this change. Are both building and apartment properly accessible? Will it be possible to receive health care assistance (temporary or continuous) at home? Are there enough areas to share and to have an interactive life?" Show less

BE+R arQuitectes is a Catalan / Dutch architectural firm, based in Esparreguera (Barcelona). In the last decade, the office has carried out around fifty office and housing projects. In addition, the agency has been active in the field of renovation and restoration, as well as urban planning and interior design.The office work is characterized by its pragmatic approach. The location, the program and budget determine the final colour of each project, while comfort and spatial qualities of… Show more BE+R arQuitectes is a Catalan / Dutch architectural firm, based in Esparreguera (Barcelona). In the last decade, the office has carried out around fifty office and housing projects. In addition, the agency has been active in the field of renovation and restoration, as well as urban planning and interior design.The office work is characterized by its pragmatic approach. The location, the program and budget determine the final colour of each project, while comfort and spatial qualities of the projects -both architectural and urban- follow a clearly distinctive line.During the development of projects the office coordinates all the design phases and construction process, counting on the support of an extensive professional network.In recent years BE+R arQuitectes has provided its services to Dutch and Catalan clients, developers, private and public companies and the towns of Esparreguera, Sant Celoni, Sant Esteve de Sesrovires and Cervelló. Show less