Tucked away in the ever-evolving industrial heart of Poblenou, Isern Serra’s new studio is a space that encapsulates the essence of his architectural philosophy—serene, sculptural, and deeply personal.
Whitewashed walls absorb the Mediterranean sun, diffusing it into a warm, golden glow that transforms the vast 200-square-meter interior into something intimate. It’s more than an office; it’s home. For Serra, the move was inevitable. After 15 years in Poblenou—once a factory-laden district, now a thriving creative hub—he felt the need to carve out a permanent space for his growing team. “We were even considering moving to another neighborhood,” he admits, “but Poblenou has a magic you can’t find anywhere else in the city.” Fortunately, the perfect space appeared, a hidden industrial gem flooded with natural light. A place to dream, design, and build.
The studio remains deliberately small. A tight-knit team of five to six designers, plus one dedicated to budgets and logistics, allows Serra to maintain a close relationship with every project. “I like that everyone knows all the projects on the table and can take on any phase of the process,” he explains. Conceptualizing, rendering, technical drawings, budget planning, execution—his team embodies the idea of a ‘360 designer.’
The studio’s immediate surroundings mirror its creative spirit. Nestled among art galleries like Vasto, Side Gallery, and Load Gallery, and close to pioneering spaces such as Montoya—Vitra’s showroom—it’s clear that Serra’s new home thrives within a community of forward-thinkers. The area pulses with innovation, from Sonar’s offices to audiovisual production houses like Goroka and creative studios like Sixnfive. Coffee culture is alive here, too; specialty cafes dot the neighborhood, each one a quiet refuge for creative minds.
At the heart of the studio stand two monumental worktables—sculptural, raw, yet sophisticated. “We envisioned them as symbols of creation,” Serra says. Brutalist yet refined, they are supported by cylindrical pillars and a vast encofrado platform. The process wasn’t without challenges; the initial iron reinforcements failed to support the cantilevered design, forcing the addition of a concealed steel beam. But in the end, this unexpected adjustment led to a cleaner, more seamless aesthetic—proof that architecture, like design, is an evolving conversation.
The space breathes calm. It’s a quality that defines Serra’s work—spatial poetry sculpted into form. His interiors exude warmth, light, and an unmistakable softness, where curves and textures invite rather than intimidate. Offices, he believes, should feel like home. “We spend so much time here—sometimes more than in our actual homes. So creating an environment that is serene, welcoming, and familiar was crucial.”
For Serra, this project was personal. Being his own client granted him a rare freedom, but also the challenge of pushing beyond limits. “It’s the second time I’ve designed for myself,” he reflects. “It’s difficult because you always want the best, but it pushes you to go further.”
The result? A studio that became a living entity—one that evolves with its people, fosters ideas, and stands as a testament to Serra’s ever-unfolding architectural narrative.
