Virtual Studio at A Coruña Arms Factory Adaptive Reuse
Diaz y Diaz Architects transforms industrial heritage into a modern digital production facility.
1Industrial Heritage Transformation
The project repurposes the former Weapons Factory in A Coruña, Spain, into a modern Virtual Studio. Completed in 2025, the facility spans 2,560 square meters. Architects Lucas Díaz Sierra and Gustavo Díaz García led the design, focusing on the site's industrial legacy while integrating advanced technological requirements for contemporary digital media production.
2Architectural Duality Concept
The design centers on a fundamental duality between two distinct spatial types. It features a hermetic, enclosed box specifically engineered for creating digital worlds, contrasted against an open, transparent volume. This layout allows the structure to maintain a functional dialogue with the surrounding landscape and the site's historical industrial memory.
3Technical Spatial Requirements
Creating a virtual studio within an existing factory shell requires precise environmental control. The hermetic zones are designed to isolate digital production from external light and acoustic interference. This technical necessity drives the internal organization, ensuring that the infrastructure supports high-end digital workflows while respecting the building's original structural framework.
4Cidade das TIC Integration
Located within the Cidade das TIC, the project serves as a cornerstone for regional technological development. By converting a defunct arms factory into a creative hub, the architects demonstrate how adaptive reuse can foster innovation. This integration bridges the gap between historical industrial architecture and the future-oriented needs of metaverse production.
5Material and Spatial Strategy
The 2,560 square meter area is optimized to balance technical performance with architectural aesthetics. By utilizing the existing industrial footprint, the firm minimizes new construction waste while maximizing utility. The project highlights how specific material choices and spatial configurations can accommodate modern digital tools within a rigid, historical building envelope.
6Collaborative Design Process
The project involved collaboration with José Deus Bouzón, ensuring that the structural interventions remained sympathetic to the original architecture. The design team prioritized the preservation of the site's industrial character, even as they introduced high-tech elements. This collaborative approach was essential for navigating the complex regulatory and physical constraints of the site.
7Future of Adaptive Reuse
This development represents a growing trend in European urban planning where industrial sites are repurposed for the digital economy. By focusing on the Cidade das TIC, the project establishes a model for how cities can revitalize obsolete manufacturing infrastructure. It proves that heritage buildings can effectively house cutting-edge digital production facilities.
8Strategic Impact Assessment
The Virtual Studio project successfully balances the preservation of A Coruña's industrial history with the demands of the digital era. By 2025, the facility stands as a testament to adaptive reuse, providing a functional space for digital creators. It serves as a benchmark for future projects seeking to merge history with technology.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Virtual Studio at A Coruña Arms Factory Adaptive Reuse