The offices of the future: sustainability, flexibility, and well-being
The office sector continues to evolve in an era of changes that range from the transformation of work to the relentless pursuit of sustainability. At Grup Núñez i Navarro, we experience it every day in Barcelona. That's why we adapt to the new demands of the office market, driven by trends such as flexibility, efficiency, and the search for spaces that prioritize the well-being of employees. We talk with Beatriz de Argila and Miguel Nolla, professionals from our commercial area, to delve deeper into how to approach this challenge and what the prospects are for the future at NN Working, our division of offices and workspaces.
A trajectory marked by adaptation
Beatriz de Argila, with 29 years of experience at Grup Núñez i Navarro, and Miguel Nolla have witnessed numerous changes within the company and in the Barcelona office market. “The pandemic was a turning point. It forced us to completely change the way we work and to quickly adapt to digitalization and hybrid models. We shifted from an in-person approach to increasing communications through video calls and phone,” both share.
They also highlight the team's adaptability in times of crisis:
“The pandemic deeply affected us, but we managed to handle the uncertainty by supporting our clients, listening to their needs, and working together to find solutions. Now, as the market recovers, we see how companies are starting to grow again and are looking for more flexible office models that adapt to their new realities.”
Our commercial team is organized in a horizontal manner, which allows for greater agility and closeness in customer service. De Argila explains:
“Our commercial team works in a coordinated manner to provide the best service. Each of us is assigned different types of spaces and projects, but we collaborate frequently to meet all the client's needs.”
Nolla, for her part, adds that one of the great benefits of working at Grup Núñez i Navarro is the smooth relationship with other departments of the company, highlighting: "We have specialized teams in the following areas: Technical, Legal, Tax, Mobility, Customer Service (SAC)... which allows us to offer a complete service tailored to each client. This not only sets us apart, but also enables us to respond quickly to any situation".
The return to the center of Barcelona: a trend that is gaining strength
Given our presence in the City of Barcelona, we discuss the office market in Barcelona, and the change it has undergone in recent years, and they confirm the growing demand for flexibility: “Since the pandemic, many companies had opted to reduce spaces or adopt hybrid models”, explains Miguel. And he concludes: “However, we see how, progressively, they are beginning to grow again and are looking for offices that can adapt to their future needs, whether by expanding or reducing square footage as needed”.
Another relevant trend that Beatriz points out is the return to the city center, detailing: “After years in which companies opted for more peripheral areas, there is now a clear return to the center. The prestige that comes with being in a central location, along with employee well-being, has been a key factor for this comeback. Companies value the convenience of being well-connected and being able to offer their employees a pleasant and communicative environment, with natural light, common areas, and sustainable buildings”.
Sustainability: an essential factor for businesses
One of the aspects that has gained the most importance in the office market is ESG. “Sustainability is no longer just a desirable option, it's an essential requirement for many companies, especially those facing significant prevention demands”, states Beatriz. And she confirms: “At Grup Núñez i Navarro we make a considerable effort to refurbish our buildings in the center of Barcelona, ensuring that they will meet the highest environmental and energy efficiency standards”.
Miguel reinforces this idea by emphasizing the added value that working in a sustainable environment brings to companies, and points out: “Companies are looking for buildings that not only comply with regulations but also offer a healthy and efficient work environment, both in terms of energy savings and comfort for their employees. This is something they ask us about from the very beginning, and it's one of the reasons why our refurbished spaces in the center of Barcelona are in such high demand”.
Iconic Buildings NN Working: a blend of history and efficiency
One of the Group's major achievements has been the rehabilitation of buildings that are part of the historical heritage of Barcelona, such as La Rotonda or Via Laietana 26, two examples where we have integrated tradition with the current needs of the market. "La Rotonda is an iconic building in Barcelona, which we have rehabilitated to offer modern and sustainable offices, large spaces that maintain their architectural value. It is a unique building that combines art, large spaces, and functionality, something that international companies highly value when they seek to stand out and gain visibility in the market", comments De Argila.
Miguel mentions our building Rambla Marina Factory in L'Hospitalet. A rehabilitation by Grup Núñez i Navarro that also exceeds the demands of large technology companies. "It's a versatile building that offers large spaces at competitive prices, with all the amenities these companies need, such as common areas and flexible spaces. An excellent choice for companies looking to expand without moving too far from the center. Rambla Marina Factory is located in an industrial area close to the bustling Plaza Europa in L’Hospitalet", Nolla concludes.
The role of multinationals and the entrepreneurial ecosystem
Barcelona remains an attractive destination for multinationals and start-ups due to its climate, multiculturalism, and quality of life. Miguel points out: "The entrepreneurial ecosystem in the city is booming, and this has generated a strong demand for offices from technology companies, pharmaceuticals, and services such as call centers. Barcelona offers a very favorable environment to attract international talent, and this has driven the need for modern, well-located, and adaptable offices".
Beatriz comments that many of the multinationals setting up in Barcelona are looking for long-term solutions and states: "They don't just want a space for the present, but they are looking for offices that can grow with them. In the Group, we are prepared to offer them that flexibility, allowing them to adapt as their needs change".
Success Stories: Supporting Business Growth
Over the years, at Grup Núñez i Navarro we have supported numerous companies in their growth, and many of these projects have been true success stories. Nolla explains: "One of the best examples is PIER 07 on Vía Laietana, where we have worked with emerging companies that started with small offices and have been expanding thanks to the flexibility we offer them". He continues: "This allows them to optimize their resources without having to worry about constantly changing locations".
Beatriz clarifies:
“In flagship projects like La Rotonda and Rambla Marina, we not only provide spaces that meet your expectations in terms of size and sustainability, but also offer them prestige and visibility in the market.”
A comprehensive and long-term commitment offer
With 95% of our offices located in the center of Barcelona and an occupancy rate of over 85%, Grup Núñez i Navarro is a benchmark in the market, offering modern spaces that are refurbished and designed to meet the needs of today's companies. Beatriz explains: “Our range is designed to cater to both large multinationals and start-ups looking to grow and we do this by offering flexibility, sustainability, and personalized service”.
Miguel emphasizes the importance of long-term support, stating: “Our commitment to tenants does not end with the signing of the contract. We are always there to help them adapt to any changes they may need in their business. This closeness and flexibility is what has allowed us to maintain long-lasting relationships with so many companies over the years”.
Grup Núñez i Navarro: innovation and commitment
With a history of 75 years, at Grup Núñez i Navarro we continue to demonstrate that the combination of experience, innovation, and a strong commitment to our clients is key for the office market in Barcelona. “We offer stability, flexibility, and a comprehensive service that allows us to be a strategic partner for companies looking to grow and needing to adapt in Barcelona”, concludes Beatriz de Argila.
Miguel Nolla adds that the trust established with tenants is one of the most important values for the company:
“Our tenant is forever. We accompany our clients at every step, helping them to expand and ensuring they have everything they need to thrive, so that when the time comes for them to leave, they remember we will always be there for them.”
To conclude, we cannot fail to ask them, as they visit so many buildings, which are their favorite views of Barcelona. While Miguel Nolla chooses the La Rotonda building, with its command of Tibidabo and the Sant Gervasi neighborhood, Beatriz de Argila opts for the views in Ciutat Vella from the PiER 07 building, although they don't like having to choose just one. In addition, they mention the spectacular views from the NN Tarragona Tower in Sants or those from the Pere i Pons building, in the Les Corts neighborhood, in the prime area of Diagonal, with a landscaped and equipped rooftop designed to improve the quality of life of its tenants, the building, and the surroundings. This project also enhances the views from the adjacent high residential buildings. In this context, we continue to green rooftops and common areas of office buildings, such as Diagonal 593, Zona Franca 137, Bonanova 59, or Aragó 182, so that offices can be a place of encounter, socialization, well-being, innovation, and creativity.
Green roofs are an architectural solution increasingly used on the roofs of commercial buildings, work centers, and homes around the world due to the multiple environmental benefits they provide in an increasingly polluted urban context. Given the lack of green spaces in cities where one can rest and harmonize with nature, achieving a sustainable and green balance between people and architecture is a necessity. By implementing green roofs, we contribute to a sustainable city.
