International competition to remodel various halls at the Montjuïc trade fair site
The trade fair site in Montjuïc is to be remodelled ahead of the centenary for the International Expo of 1929, with an international architecture competition to be launched on 15 May for the renovation project. The goal is to turn the Montjuïc site into an iconic and modern urban trade fair complex in Europe. Consideration will be given to projects that optimise the trade fair facilities, making them modern, flexible and adaptable for various uses, in line with the 21st century parameters of efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability.
The call includes three spheres of action:
- Renovation and enlargement of Hall 1 and construction of a new multi-purpose hall on the current site of the current hall 4 and congress hall. The new building, providing 19,500 square metres of floor space, will be the main hall for fairs, congresses and corporate events, forming part of the facilities in Av. Reina Maria Cristina.
- Construction of the new congress hall on the current site of the Alfons XIII hall. This will conserve the listed historical elements and feature a large-capacity auditorium.
- Transformation of the former hall known as the Palau del Vestit, now part of Hall 8, to turn it into the Fira Innovation Hub. This will be a space where large companies, SMEs, start-ups, research centres and universities can develop innovative solutions in sectors such as smart cities, food, audiovisuals and technology.
The decision was taken in the first meeting by the Centenary Commission for the International Expo of 1929, which is also working on the commemorative programme. The selection process for the candidacies put forward will have two stages. The first will assess the technical and financial solvency of the international architecture teams in question, with five per sphere of action to be selected. The second stage involves a jury of internationally renowned architects, who will study the projects submitted and choose the winner in each of the three spheres. The work should be ready in 2029, coinciding with the centenary.
