Campus Arrupe and a sustainable future with a LEED Gold seal in Madrid
In the urban landscape of Madrid, a building has emerged that redefines the concept of educational architecture. The Arrupe Campus, conceived by the firm Bueso-Inchausti & Rein Arquitectos is not just a buildin, it is a statement of intent materialized in almost 8,500 m² of innovation and design. Completed in 2024, this project not only establishes a dialogue with the architectural heritage of the area—including the proximity of Miguel Fisac’s 1956 work—but also demonstrates that it is possible to build the future while respecting the past and the environment.
Its LEED Gold seal is not a casual medal, but the direct consequence of a work methodology where sustainability was the pillar of design and BIM technology was the backbone that made it possible.
What is most striking about the Arrupe Campus is its intelligent envelope. The building presents itself with a granite base that gives it a solid presence, upon which the upper floors rise, protected by a distinctive ceramic lattice. This is not a merely aesthetic decision; it is a first-rate bioclimatic strategy. It acts as a solar filter that mitigates thermal gain in summer and allows light to pass through in winter, a passive solution for its high energy efficiency.
This is where we ask the key question: How are all these elements orchestrated to achieve the sustainable excellence of LEED Gold? The answer is: through a deep and intelligent implementation of the BIM methodology.
BIM: The Digital Thread to LEED Certification
Obtaining a LEED certificate is the result of a continuous process of precise decision-making. At the Arrupe Campus, BIM was the conductor and the Common Data Environment where all the professionals involved collaborated with a shared objective.
The link between BIM and the LEED credits materialized in very concrete ways:
Energy and Performance Analysis: The BIM model was the basis for validating the effectiveness of solutions such as the ceramic lattice and for sizing and coordinating the centralized geothermal system, one of the project’s keys for harnessing clean and constant energy from the subsoil. These simulations were crucial for earning points in the LEED “Energy and Atmosphere” (EA) category.
Indoor Environmental Quality and Interior Design: The “Indoor Environmental Quality” (IEQ) category benefited from the design of large patios that bring natural light into the heart of the building, creating healthy and stimulating spaces. The famous sculptural staircase that articulates the interior is not just a design element; like the rest of the spaces, it was modeled in BIM to ensure maximum spatial and constructive coherence.
Materials Management and Coordination: Thanks to BIM, precise measurements of materials such as granite and ceramic slats were carried out, drastically reducing on-site waste, a key point in “Materials and Resources” (MR). Furthermore, the three-dimensional coordination of all disciplines avoided clashes and costly rework, resulting in direct savings in materials, time, and carbon footprint.
Beyond the Plaque: A Paradigm for the Future
The Arrupe Campus stands as an exemplary case study. It demonstrates to the industry that investing in BIM technology is the fundamental enabler for achieving the highest standards of quality and sustainability. The LEED Gold seal is not simply an adornment on its facade; it is the tangible proof of an intelligent design and construction process.
It is the evidence that when architectural vision is supported by a robust methodology like BIM, the result is a building that not only responds to the needs of its users but also to those of a planet that demands responsibility.
