The renovation of the Montjuïc fairgrounds has attracted interest from both national and international architectural firms.

After receiving 121 applications, the names of the 15 selected architecture firms have been announced, which will present proposals for the first phase of the project aimed at transforming the current site into a modern and urban exhibition space.

The renovation aims to convert the Montjuïc fairgrounds into an iconic exhibition venue in Europe. The projects will seek to optimize the exhibition facilities, making them more flexible and versatile, in line with the principles of efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability. It is expected that much of the planned construction work will be completed by 2029, coinciding with the celebration of the Centenary of the 1929 International Exhibition.This first architecture competition, launched last May, includes three lots. The first covers the construction projects for the new Multifunctional Pavilion, which will be built on the site of the current Palaces 4 and Congress Hall, as well as the preliminary project for the renovation and expansion of the Communications Palace - Palace 1, which should have aesthetic and functional coherence. The finalists in this category are Data Arquitectura i Enginyeria SLP, Harquitectes Area Productiva SLP, Miquel Marine Nuñez, Urbanitree SLP, and Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos SLP.

The second lot includes the design and projects for the new Congress Hall to be built in the current Alfonso XIII Palace, which must preserve and integrate the listed elements of the existing structure. The finalists in this category are Forgas_Arquitectes SL, Pich-Aguilera Arquitectes SL, Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos SLP, UTE Aires Mateus Td, and Metronom Arquitectura.

The third lot covers the architectural projects for the transformation of the former Palace of Clothing, now integrated into Palace 8, where the new Fira Innovation Hub will be located, a space dedicated to promoting startups in future economic sectors linked to fairs organized at Fira de Barcelona. The five candidates selected in this area are Bjarke Ingels Group Architecture Spain SLP, Bach Arquitectes SLP, Ravetllat Arquitectura SLP, Estudio Herreros SLP, and Maio Architects SLP.

In a second phase of this renovation process of the exhibition space, a new architectural competition will be launched for the final remodeling project of the Communications Palace – Palace 1 and the Metallurgy Palace - Palace 8.

Final projects

The 15 firms selected based on the criteria of technical and economic solvency in this first phase of the competition must present their proposals anonymously in February 2025. All will receive financial compensation for the preparation of the projects, varying according to the lot they compete in. The finalists in lot 1 will receive 35,000 euros, while those in the second lot will receive 30,000 euros, and those in the third will receive 20,000 euros.

Once all the proposals are submitted, a jury made up of five internationally renowned architects will evaluate them and select the winners for each lot. The jury is chaired by architect Josep Lluís Mateo and includes landscape specialist Maria Goula; Navarre architect María Langarita; technical architect Joan Olona; and Construction Technology expert Joan Lluís Zamora. The names of the three winners will be announced during the first quarter of 2025.

New meeting of the Centenary Commission

The selected architectural firms were presented today during the meeting of the Centenary Commission, which includes representatives from the Generalitat, the Barcelona City Council, and Fira de Barcelona, where they also reviewed the proposals for commemorative content and actions that could be carried out.

This Commission was created last December with the aim of defining and developing a program of events and activities to commemorate the centenary of the 1929 International Exhibition, including various events, exhibitions, congresses, shows, and unique projects that will leave a lasting legacy in the city.