ERRE's blue spiral staircase defines new Valencia entrepreneurship hub
7,600 sqm workspace integrates education and startup ecosystems by the harbor
1Expanding the entrepreneurship campus
ERRE arquitectura has completed the third building in Marina de Empresas complex at La Marina de Valencia, adding 7,600 sqm of workspace to the existing 27,000 sqm campus. The new facility accommodates nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs, complementing the existing EDEM business school, Lanzadera startup accelerator, and Angels investment network. Located beside two earlier ERRE-designed buildings from 2015, this expansion completes the dedicated education and entrepreneurship hub. The project demonstrates Valencia's commitment to fostering innovation through purpose-built architectural solutions.
2Central atrium as social heart
A 260 sqm triple-height atrium with 9-meter clear height forms the building's social core, dominated by a striking blue metal spiral staircase connecting all four floors. The open staircase configuration creates continuous circulation while serving as a visual anchor. The atrium space serves multiple functions - dining area convertible into a 100-seat presentation venue with tiered seating. This flexible approach reflects contemporary workplace needs where social interaction complements focused work. The design encourages spontaneous encounters among EDEM students, Lanzadera startups, and Angels-backed companies sharing the campus.
3Naval-inspired material innovation
The building's southern facade features horizontal GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) louvers, a material traditionally used in boat hulls for its lightweight durability. This naval construction reference visually connects the workspace to its harbor setting while controlling solar exposure. The material choice withstands coastal conditions and creates a rhythmic facade pattern. At the southeast corner, a large cantilever frames sea views, establishing a distinctive profile. Photovoltaic panels on the roof and locally sourced materials further demonstrate the project's contextual sensitivity and sustainability considerations.
4Flexible workspace configurations
ERRE's Workplace methodology informs the interior layout, balancing open collaboration areas with private focus spaces. Each floor includes 'plazas' - social zones with outdoor access for informal meetings. Ground floor double-height spaces enhance openness, while interior courtyards maximize natural light penetration. The material palette combines warm tones with industrial aesthetics, featuring varied furniture from high stools for quick meetings to long tables for teamwork. Acoustic carpeting mitigates noise in open areas, demonstrating thoughtful attention to contemporary workstyle needs across different user groups.
5Harbor integration through design
Workspaces strategically frame views of Valencia's port and historic landmarks including the Aduana building and Clock Building. The rooftop offers panoramic harbor vistas, extending the work environment outdoors. Future plans include transforming surrounding areas into a landscaped promenade centered around a historic port crane, further blending campus with maritime context. This deep connection to place goes beyond aesthetics - the building's form, materials, and spatial organization all respond to its unique coastal location while serving its educational and entrepreneurial mission.
6Supporting Valencia's innovation ecosystem
The completed Marina de Empresas complex now provides comprehensive facilities for all stages of business development - from EDEM's education programs to Lanzadera's startup support and Angels' investment network. The architectural design physically manifests this continuum, with spaces that encourage interaction across these communities. The 1,000-entrepreneur capacity represents significant growth potential for Valencia's knowledge economy. ERRE's design successfully creates an environment where spatial organization actively supports networking, learning, and collaboration essential for innovation.