A modernista façade

On the corner of Anglesola and Doctor Ibáñez streets is the Cristalleries Planell glassworks building, built in 1913 according to a design by Josep Graner.The main façade, which is listed, has decorative elements that come from Catalan modernism made with the trencadís mosaic technique.

Artistic glass works

The Cristalleries Planell glassworks business was set up by Leopoldo Planell i Porqueras, the son of a working-class family. Here they made a wide range of glass objects, including jugs, various kinds of glasses, and small furnishings, even lamps that were exported to America.

It is one of the most important remnants bearing witness to the manufacturing past of Les Corts, and it had an influence on the growth of neighbourhood.Over time, it became one of the most important art glass factories in Europe, right up to when it closed in 1957, four years after the death of its founder.

In 1925, Cristalleries Planell was also the setting for what is known as the “children’s strike”, a strike instigated by Francesc Pedra, who was only 11 years old, in which the children working at Cristalleries rebelled against the abuse and exploitation they suffered.

An innovative architectural project

The renovation project was run by Harquitectes, and led by Josep Ricart. An innovative project that helps to optimise energy consumption. Two of the site’s three sides were defined by the former factory’s listed façade. The building consists of four floors that back away from the southern heritage façade. The resulting covered courtyard makes it possible to reconcile construction and heritage and improve natural-light conditions in the classroom areas, while also providing a thermal and acoustic cushion from the surrounding area.
The building’s cross-section explains its conduct: the control and management of air in natural conditions. The features that move this air are completely natural, based on the use of solar chimneys and covers, creating breezes. Lastly, in order to improve light conditions in the courtyards and to give the façade a material connected to the memory of Cristalleries Planell, a solid block of glass was introduced as part of the wall fittings, making it possible to bring natural light to the northern courtyard and improve light in the southern courtyard.