Hunter Douglas Enhances LCI Barcelona with Acoustic Ceilings

In a city that understands design as a way of life, the new campus of LCI Barcelona –the international school of design and visual arts of the LCI Education group– embraces an interior architecture that combines aesthetic sensitivity, technical functionality and sensory well-being. A challenge in which Hunter Douglas Architectural has played a key role, with the installation of nearly 5,000 m² of ceilings that absorb sound, modulate light and provide visual continuity throughout the space.

The project, led by the renowned studio Circular Studio, opts for an open, flexible and luminous environment, aligned with new ways of learning, creating and inhabiting the city. In line with this vision, the new campus integrates naturally into the fabric of 22@, Barcelona’s innovation district, becoming a new landmark on the city’s contemporary architectural map.

Comfort and rhythm: ceilings that organise space

Barcelona is light, texture and urban rhythm. But it is also noise, intensity and overlapping uses. In that context, acoustic design becomes a fundamental tool for ensuring interior comfort without sacrificing spatial expressiveness.

The HeartFelt® Linear systems and Luxalon® V 100 / V 200 metal baffles installed by Hunter Douglas Architectural allow for effective sound absorption in high-traffic areas such as classrooms, hallways, lobbies and common areas. Beyond technical performance, these solutions act as elements that organise circulation, support spatial transitions and enhance the atmosphere of the entire space.

In a demanding, dynamic and constantly evolving educational environment, ceilings are not a finishing touch: they are a silent infrastructure that structures the experience, supports and amplifies the quality of the time spent within.

Geometry, integration and detail

In this project, the ceiling ceases to be a neutral plane and becomes an architectural element with its own presence. The linear arrangement of Hunter Douglas Architectural’s systems generates rhythm, continuity and visual lightness, accompanying the logic of the building without interfering with its reading.

The integration of ceilings with technical elements such as lighting, HVAC or electrical installations required high-precision execution, with complex cuts and multiple adaptations to respond to the geometry of the space without compromising the formal cleanliness of the ensemble.

“Designing an educational space today means going beyond functionality. It’s about creating places that inspire, that invite you to stay, and that elevate the everyday learning experience”, says Francisco Domínguez, Architectural Products Sales Manager at Hunter Douglas Spain.

HeartFelt® and Luxalon® Tavola™: distinct functions, shared language

To meet the spatial and functional complexity of the campus, the project integrates two solutions developed by Hunter Douglas Architectural: textile-based HeartFelt® Linear, and Luxalon® V 100 / V 200 metal baffles. Far from competing with each other, both systems coexist and complement one another, providing distinct nuances to each area of the building.

HeartFelt®, with its matte finish and soft profile, introduces a tactile and visual dimension that softens the space without losing formal rigour. Its linearity organizes perspective and creates a serene atmosphere, especially in areas where people spend more time, such as classrooms and concentration zones. Its acoustic performance and understated aesthetic make it a particularly effective tool for this type of context.

The Luxalon® V 100 / V 200 metal baffles, on the other hand, are used in higher spaces or areas with specific technical requirements. Their structural solidity makes them ideal for large surfaces, while also facilitating the integration of auxiliary systems. Their modular design offers compositional freedom without sacrificing geometric clarity, maintaining a unified architectural reading throughout the space.

Materials with a forward-looking vision

The choice of materials also responds to a future-oriented vision. The HeartFelt® system, made from recyclable thermoformed felt and Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze, contributes to both acoustic and thermal comfort while providing a warm and visually enveloping texture.

The Luxalon® V 100 / V 200 metal baffles, meanwhile, offer high durability, fire resistance and ease of maintenance, along with the possibility of disassembly and reuse. This combination of technical performance, environmental efficiency and adaptability makes Hunter Douglas Architectural solutions natural allies of responsible architecture. In addition, these baffles are Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze.

Go to project LCI, Barcelona