Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona in the News – Lavanguardia Interviews the Architect Responsible for Sant Jordi Hostel Sagrada Familia

Entrevista: Anna Podio, arquitecta
La Vanguardia, 17th of December, 2011

The Major Spanish Newspaper La Vanguardia recently published an article detailing an interview with the architect, designer and mastermind behind the recently constructed Sant Jordi Hostel Sagrada Familia and the soon to be completed Sant Jordi Hostel Gracia. In the article Mrs. Podio was asked by La Vanguardia to discuss her vision of Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona’s new model for tourist accommodations.

When asked what makes these hostels different from traditional hostels Mrs. Podio responded by saying that it is “the philosophy of the space, the use of the objects and more than anything the enthusiasm and freshness of the hostel staff.” She further clarified that “In Sant Jordi we experiment with a new concept of house/home, the home of just one day. We study and try to satisfy the needs of the traveler visiting Barcelona. We ask ourselves what are a group of friends, backpackers, school classmates, a couple, a tourist in general looking for when they arrive in our city interested in the architecture and culture but also the people, the urban sports and the night life. It is dynamic people that like to discover, experiment and be surprised.”

Speaking of the design of the hostel and its interiors Mrs. Podio said that “we the designers have to be more effective… the elements should be functional, clean and durable. We can’t leave anything to chance because the use that a hostel is subjected to in one day is equivalent to a life of many years. Therefore we build spaces, design interiors and armor furniture so that they can be used without concern as the imagination of the guest dictates.”

This is just a brief summary and amateur translation of what Mrs. Podio had to say about the design of and concept behind Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona’s new model for tourist accomodation. To read the article in its entirety and original language just click the image above. Sorry, but La Vanguardia is a Spanish newspaper and they don’t provide English translations.

Thanks Again Mrs. Podio for your vision, inspiration, and dedication. You have helped to make our motto a certifiable reality.

Sant Jordi Hostels… More than a hostel, a life experience!!!!