The new Prodis headquarters in Terrassa, designed by Harquitectes, exemplifies a masterful approach to adaptive reuse, where a former industrial facility has been transformed into a vibrant and inclusive civic space. Through a respectful intervention, the project preserves the material memory of the original building—brick, steel, and timber—while inserting a contemporary wooden infrastructure that defines warm, human-scale interiors. This duality between heritage and innovation enables a seamless dialogue between the past and the present, enhancing the social mission of Prodis, a foundation supporting people with intellectual disabilities. A central courtyard connects the volumes and allows natural light to infiltrate deeply, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability and wellbeing. One of the most emblematic features is the interplay between the old brick envelope and the new wooden core, creating a tactile and emotional resonance that fosters dignity, autonomy, and community participation. The intervention demonstrates how architecture can be a tool for social inclusion, redefining space not only for its users but also for the broader urban context. As a finalist in the Mies van der Rohe Awards, El Vapor sets a precedent for ethical architecture rooted in context, memory, and collective care. Harquitectes (2023) Prodis Headquarters. Terrassa: Harquitectes.
