In 2005 the esteemed architect Carlos Ferrater created a new platform to confront the challenges of the new century’s architectural demands in an ever-changing society. Building on the successes of his earlier studio, he joined forces with his children and fellow architects Borja and Lucia Ferrater as well as his son-in-law Xavier Marti-Gali to create Office of Architecture in Barcelona (OAB). Having been involved in the industry since 1971, Ferrater brings a wealth of skills and experiences to a company that prides itself on its dedication to discovering new ways of understanding architecture and its potential.

The multi-award-winning company works on the principle that all architectural offers should be open and flexible, maintaining the essential aspects of time-honored architecture while also offering creativity and adaptability in the context of the project. The designers also understand the importance of respecting the locations they are working on, considering their historical background and social origins. Each project is tackled with an awareness of the potential impact across social, intellectual, technological, and environmental fields. This admirable approach has resulted in the completion of many successful projects within Spain and, recently, a significant increase in international assignments throughout Europe and further afield.

This year OAB has been particularly acknowledged for its creative approach and forward-thinking at the The Madrid EDITION Hotel. The building is the former headquarters of Caja de Ahorros y Monte de Piedad in Madrid and is of considerable historical importance. The challenge presented by the refurbishment was that the three main facades of the building face very different urban situations. The north facade leads onto the Plaza de las Descalzas, one of the most important historic sites in the city. This square is also fronted by Convento de las Descalzas Reales (a National Heritage building) which is home to one of the most important art collections in the world. The east facade runs along the Plaza de Celenque, and the west is aligned with Calle San Martin.

The experts at OAB undertook a close analysis of the surroundings before submitting their proposal to transform the existing building. Their idea was to create three different looks, each entrance fulfilling different functions. The hotel’s primary access to the Plaza de Celenque has been designed to create the feel of a pedestrianized street that effectively co-exists with the restricted traffic of the area. The Plaza de las Descalzas is where the hotel opens to the city with its grand pedestrian entrance through the baroque door. The third facade covers practical hotel services with access to the underground car park and the loading bays. The result is a finished product that retains its historical grandeur while creating a luxury hotel for easy modern living in the city.

That is why Luxury Lifestyle Awards has selected Office of Architecture in Barcelona (OAB) as a winner in the category of Best Luxury Hotel Architecture for The Madrid EDITION Hotel in Madrid, Spain for 2022. It is a well-deserved accolade for the sympathetic approach to carrying out a stylish, modern, and practical refurbishment that compliments its surroundings and boosts the area’s rejuvenation.

Find out more about Office of Architecture in Barcelona and its novel approach to architecture and design by visiting https://ferrater.com/