The new building housing the headquarters of the Blood and Tissue Bank and the Umbilical Cord Bank in 22@Barcelona will have space for a total of 600 professionals and will provide blood components to all hospitals and clinics in Catalonia, consolidating its position as a benchmark biomedical research center on an international level. 

The building, developed by the Barcelona Zona Franca Consortium and designed by architectural studio SaAs, is located at 106-116 Passeig de Taulat in Barcelona. 36 million euros have been invested in the building, whose efficient construction allows it to use 87% less energy than a traditional building and, in its nearly 10,000-m2 surface area, includes benchmark technology and expertise in global biomedical research like smart storage and automatic blood separation equipment. Moreover, this building will emit less CO2, equivalent to that generated by 700 housing units in a year, considerably reducing greenhouse gasses.


The inaugural event took place on 26 July, with participation from the mayor of Barcelona, Jordi Hereu, who defined the new headquarters as a tool for “social cohesion, economic progress, research, solidarity and a symbol of an ambitious country.” President of the Government of Catalonia, José Montilla, reminded those present that “there are 40 donations per thousand inhabitants each year.” Marina Geli, Catalan minister for Health, was also present and explained that “in hemotherapy and blood donation, Catalonia is on the cutting-edge globally.”

The Blood and Tissue Bank (BST) is a public center that manages human blood and tissue donations, analysis and treatment, as well as carrying out research in cell and tissue therapies and blood technology.
 
For more information: http://www.bancsang.net/ca/index.html.