Spanish design firms Paloma Bau Studio and T.O.T. Studio have unveiled a new creative workspace, Sornells 21, in the Ruzafa section of Valencia. The 1,830-square-foot commercial space is crafted in homage to the urban aesthetics of Tokyo, embodying a speculative and strategic sensibility befitting both studios. “The workspace is designed as a narrative journey meant to evoke a deep sense of well-being,” Bau says. “We focused on reinterpreting these specific atmospheres to guide the spatial sequence and the overall mood of the workspace. The conceptual research was also deeply rooted in classical design literature, drawing heavily from ‘In Praise of Shadows’ and ‘Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers.’”
Fixtures of Tokyo’s urban landscape—ceramic tiles, izakaya bars, and serene onsens—are each reimagined across the design. White ceramic tiles wrap the facade as well as the threshold, where large mirrored ceilings visually expand the arrival experience. Anchoring the U-shaped layout, a large bar made of black-tinted MDF channels an izakaya while serving as a coworking area, display setting, and social hub. Accented with traditional Noren-style textile curtains, a longitudinal light fixture stretches above the bar to evoke a Japanese tavern. A 20-person cantilevered table resolved with steel, black San Vicente stone, and a sculptural block leg further permeates a laidback warmth and versatility along with a continuous rail system to support exhibitions. Light and luminous microcement floors and sound-absorbing, sprayed cellulose ceilings round out the interior with uniformity.
Reminiscent of an onsen, the onsite meeting room disrupts the sobriety of the workplace. Accessed via a small staircase concealed within kitchen panels, the space amplifies chromatic intensity, accented with shower-head light fixtures, bathing area handrails, and a false skylight. “Ultimately, the entire layout makes guests and independent professionals feel part of an open, inclusive creative community,” Bau adds, “where spontaneous encounters and synergies happen naturally.”
