BBK Kuna | Social innovation lab focused on the future of Bizkaia

Since its construction in 1916, the Ricardo Bastida Casa Cuna building in Bilbao La Vieja has been a benchmark for promoting well-being, equal opportunities, social integration and cutting-edge preschool education in Bilbao and Bizkaia. Now, framed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), BBK Fundazioa aims to address the future challenges of Bizkaia by creating a new social innovation laboratory called BBK Kuna.

This project is designed to foster a new ecosystem of innovation formed by all agents of the so-called Quadruple Helix (citizens, universities and research centers, public administration, and private enterprise), responding to future challenges through various formats of participation and collaboration.

At dot., we have collaborated closely with BBK Fundazioa from a 360° design perspective. This includes everything from the initial strategic definitions of the methodology, key projects and workflows for BBK Kuna, to the details of the various spaces that make up its five floors, as well as the brand identity of the laboratory.

Thus, the building addresses the strategy and needs of its various stakeholders across its different floors.

↗ Planta 3: Ganbara, the space where the purpose of BBK Kuna flourishes, showcasing achievements and advancements towards a more prosperous and equitable future for Bizkaia.

↗ Planta 2: Kuna Inspira, spacious areas designed for training.

↗ Planta 1: Kuna Crea, a coworking space for startups and organizations within the BBK Kuna ecosystem, equipped for various modes of individual and group work.

↗ Planta 0: Plaza, a café space open to the public, featuring an amphitheater that can host multiple events and presentations.

↗ Planta -1: Muelle, open to the community, capable of accommodating various temporary exhibitions.

The visual identity of Kuna pays homage to the beauty of Ricardo Bastida's works and the artistic movement from which he drew inspiration: Modernism. This movement is characterized by a break from the past and a bold look towards the future. This perspective aligns with the project's own identity, formed by geometries extracted from Bastida's works, creating dynamic and timeless visual ensembles.

Since its opening in 2019, BBK Kuna has become a leading Social Innovation Laboratory in Bizkaia, successfully creating Kuna Kideak, an alliance of over 150 local organizations committed to the key Sustainable Development Goals of the region.

Additionally, BBK Kuna has hosted significant international events such as the Tech and Humanity Summit, the New Longevity Summit, and the International Forum on Social Innovation Ecosystems.