Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
eye-catching Hotel Me (completed in 2008) by Dominique Perrault - mark this new district.
The hovering blue, triangular Edifici Fòrum by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron is the
most striking landmark here, along with a gigantic photovoltaic panel that provides some of
the area's electricity.
Much of the district was completed in 2004, though the area continues to evolve as new
buildings are added to the mix. Among the most notable recent additions is a 24-storey
whitewashed trapezoidal prism that serves as the headquarters for the national telephone
company, Telefónica. Designed by Enric Massip-Bosch and dubbed the Torre ZeroZero, it
has a deceivingly two-dimensional appearance upon initial approach. Shortly after its com-
pletion in 2011, the Torre was awarded the respected Leading European Architects Forum
(LEAF) award for commercial building of the year.
Another prominent addition to the skyline came in 2005. The shimmering, cucumber-
shaped Torre Agbar is a product of French architect Jean Nouvel, emblematic of the city's
desire to make the developing hi-tech zone of 22@ a reality.
Southwest, on the way to the airport, the new Fira M2 trade fair along Gran Via de les
Corts Catalanes is now marked by red twisting twin landmark towers (one the Santos Porta
Fira Hotel, the other offices) designed by Japanese star architect and confessed Gaudí fan
Toyo Ito.
The heart of La Ribera got a fresh look with its brand-new Mercat de Santa Caterina. The
market is quite a sight, with its wavy ceramic roof and tubular skeleton, designed by one of
the most promising names in Catalan architecture until his premature death, Enric Miralles.
Miralles' Edifici de Gas Natural, a 100m glass tower near the waterfront in La Barceloneta,
is extraordinary for its mirror-like surface and weirdly protruding adjunct buildings, which
could be giant glass cliffs bursting from the main tower's flank.
Best Contemporary Buildings
Torre Agbar
Teatre Nacional de Catalunya
Mercat de Santa Caterina
Edificio Fòrum
W Barcelona
Santos Porta Fira Hotel (Llobregat)
Les Arenes (Plaça d'Espanya)
