Young architect Ricardo Bofill fell in love with a cement plant abandoned in 1968 in Sant Just Desvern, a suburb of Barcelona.

Driving to Barcelona’s western suburbs, the scenery at Sant Just Desvern comprised concrete blocks, massive silos, and chimneys that exhaled smoke. A month later, they planned to destroy the 31,000-square-meter industrial facility, which was still operational. For the architect, it was the ideal chance to fulfill his desire for space. He may breathe new life into it.

Initially, the industrial community consisted of 30 massive silos, four kilometers of subterranean tunnels, and a variety of large chambers for storing machinery.

Discover how the property transformed from an outdated industrial site to a lush and livable place.

After three years of massive construction, the architect relocated his agency, Taller de Arquitectura, and opted to reside there beginning in 1974.