A groundbreaking tattoo studio in Barcelona is challenging traditional notions of sterile environments through innovative architectural design. BLOK, created by XAARCHIVE Studio in Badalona, transforms an 80-square-meter warehouse into a unique space that blends medical precision with industrial aesthetics. The project, conceptualized under the theme "The Anti-Hospital: Rethinking Sterile Spaces," offers a fresh perspective on how clinical environments can be reimagined for creative purposes.
The studio's design philosophy centers on translating the visual language of medical facilities into an industrial context while maintaining functionality for tattoo artistry. The architects exposed the existing ceiling structure to reveal its original framework, creating an authentic industrial atmosphere. Linear LED fixtures were strategically installed to highlight the geometric elements of the space while providing controlled, uniform lighting essential for detailed tattoo work.
Material selection played a crucial role in achieving the studio's distinctive aesthetic. The design team utilized polished concrete flooring, locally sourced stainless steel elements, and handcrafted PVC curtains to create a flexible interior environment. These soft PVC curtains serve as modular partitions that can shift the space between transparency and opacity, allowing for fluid transitions between different activities including tattooing, painting, and resting areas.
The studio's layout accommodates up to four tattoo artists working simultaneously within a carefully planned modular system. Mobile partitions and adjustable lighting systems enable the workspace to adapt to various functions beyond tattooing, including exhibitions and client consultations. This flexibility transforms BLOK into a hybrid environment that functions as part workshop, part laboratory, and part gallery space.
A centerpiece of the studio is the custom-designed Canova Table, created by XAARCHIVE Studio using advanced 3D scanning and binary encoding techniques. This unique element represents the studio's research into the intersections of data, materiality, and digital precision. The table reflects both the technical and creative aspects of the studio's dual nature as a place of craftsmanship and artistic expression.
Local production was prioritized throughout the project, with fabrication and material sourcing carried out entirely within Badalona and the surrounding metropolitan area. This approach reinforces the project's commitment to regional manufacturing and supports the local economy while reducing environmental impact from transportation.
The studio's interior design emphasizes functional calm and precision through minimal furniture placement and the prominent use of polished concrete surfaces. Tattoo stations are strategically framed by translucent curtains that define intimate zones within the otherwise open floor plan, creating privacy for clients while maintaining the overall sense of spaciousness.
BLOK represents more than just a workspace; it serves as an architectural examination of the relationship between care, craft, and the human body. The project demonstrates how systematic, locally grounded approaches to spatial design can successfully balance technical rigor with adaptability, creating environments that serve multiple purposes while maintaining their core functionality.
