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Las Arenas Barcelona

Las Arenas Barcelona

 

The project proposes the redevelopment of the old bullring into new and powerful urban space, as well as the creation of a new E-Fòrum building to hold a number of facilities for the implementation of new technologies to complement the adjacent Barcelona Exhibitions Complex (Fira de Barcelona).

Built in 1899 and in disuse since 1990, the bullring is intimately and deeply connected to the city as one of its main landmarks. For this reason, the project, since its onset, was aimed at up-keeping and preserving its neo-mudejar facade: even though its architectonic value was not especially noteworthy, it was a civic icon indeed.

The project stands on three basic pillars: to retain and refurbish the existing façade, to redevelop the building as a cohesion element from the urban-planning point of view, and to materialize a architectonic solution specific to the building and its new activities.

After being restored and braced, the old façade will not be directly connected to the new building, which will have its own façade with a metal footbridge around the perimeter for service facilities between both structures. The building features three major concepts: building of basements up to the crowning height of the existing façade, a floating roof and the E-Fòrum.

The roof is an independent structure, equipped with a platform around its perimeter and large skylights convey light to the central space inside. A detached tower connects this level with the ground floor and the basement, and allows a direct connection to the underground station.