Studio Sornells 21: A Tokyo Inspired Creative Space in Valencia

Where design, architecture and community meet in Ruzafa

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Tucked into the vibrant streets of Ruzafa, Sornells 21 is a shared creative studio that reimagines what a contemporary workspace can be. Designed by Ausiàs Pérez of T.O.T Studio in collaboration with architect Paloma Bau, the project transforms a former commercial unit into a flexible, design-led environment inspired by everyday urban spaces in Tokyo.

Tokyo references, translated not replicated

Rather than literal imitation, the studio draws from three familiar Japanese urban atmospheres: the tiled street, the izakaya bar and the onsen. White ceramic tiles wrap the entrance like an exterior façade, blurring the line between street and interior, while mirrors subtly alter scale and perception throughout the space.

At its core, a long central bar anchors the U shaped plan. Functioning as coworking table, social hub and display surface, it allows the studio to shift effortlessly between work, meetings, presentations and communal moments.

Material clarity and spatial flexibility

Material consistency plays a key role. Microcement floors, raw MDF furniture, white block seating and exposed installations create a calm, neutral backdrop designed to evolve with use. Custom lighting inspired by traditional Japanese noren adds warmth and rhythm, reinforcing the studio’s horizontal flow.

A more playful contrast appears in the meeting room inspired by the onsen, where colour, mirrors and unexpected details break the studio’s restrained tone, reminding visitors that creativity thrives on surprise.

More than a workspace

Studio Sornells 21 is not just an office. It is a multifunctional creative space in Valencia designed to host collaboration, experimentation and community.

By merging architectural clarity with cultural references and everyday flexibility, it reflects a growing shift towards work environments that feel human, social and open ended.

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