Glòries in Barcelona: a benchmark for green urbanism
In the area of Glòries Square, three of Barcelona’s main urban axes converge: Diagonal Avenue, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Meridiana Avenue. This made it essential to reorganise the space and transform it into a green area in order to create wellbeing for both pedestrians and vehicular circulation.
“The concept of outdoor interventions has changed significantly in recent years. Urban landscapes are now understood not only as well-designed and well-built spaces, but above all as complex and dynamic systems that simultaneously support people, nature and ecology. These are the true protagonists. Not the designers, who must work with humility and efficiency of means.”
Ana Coello, Architect
Location: Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes – Barcelona, Spain.
Architects and landscape designers: UTE Agence Ter & Ana Coello de Llobet
Area: 20,400 m²
Canòpia Urbana project
The overall “Canòpia Urbana” project for Glòries reorganises urban infrastructure to reduce the dominance of private vehicles, prioritising pedestrians and low-impact transport modes, and shaping the square as one of Barcelona’s new superblocks.
Breinco: a key player in the Glòries transformation
Breinco is one of the key contributors to the redevelopment of Glòries, having developed pieces specifically designed and adapted to the project’s requirements. The company is a benchmark in architecture and urban design, known for continuously developing sustainable landscape solutions. In recent years, Breinco has received several recognitions for its environmental commitment, including ISO 14001 certification (EMS). All solutions developed for Plaça de les Glòries align with the project’s urban vision.
Sustainable paving with Llosa Vulcano®
Llosa Vulcano® is a carefully engineered slab that ensures high durability and stable colour over time. It is a sustainable paving solution suitable for public squares, pavements and building access areas. It stands out for its quality, aesthetic value and sustainability.
Recently, it was awarded an environmental quality guarantee label by the Catalan Government’s Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda, within the category of recycled aggregate raw materials and products.
Llosa Vulcano® Canòpia colour: a sustainable solution
For much of the first phase of Glòries, Llosa Vulcano® has been used in several formats (30×10×10 cm, 20×10×10 cm and 10×10×8 cm). A new colour, named Canòpia, was also developed at the architects’ request. This light tone was designed to reduce surface temperature in urban environments.
Tactile paving
A customised tactile paving system was designed to provide clear sensory information for blind or visually impaired users.
Tactile Crossing
Raised longitudinal strips provide tactile guidance for pedestrian crossings.
Tactile Warning
Raised studs indicate edges and crossing points, acting as a warning system for pedestrians.
Llosa Vulcano® proved to be an ideal sustainable solution for Glòries, where large open spaces prioritise public use and enjoyment.
Wetcast®: versatility and sustainability
Wetcast® is an architectural concrete system that adapts to individual needs, offering versatility, aesthetics, quality and sustainability at a competitive cost.
Its refined finish makes it ideal for urban environments and landscaped areas. It enables the production of façades, large panels, decorative elements, steps and urban furniture.
Wetcast® offers:
- Flexible design: wide range of colours, sizes and textures.
- Easy installation: lightweight material suitable for efficient transport and installation.
- High resistance: durable against weather, vandalism and impact.
- Sustainability: supports environmentally responsible construction practices.
- Cost efficiency: reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Custom Wetcast® concrete bench
A continuous linear bench was designed by architect Ana Coello de Llobet, placed around the play area to provide shaded seating for accompanying adults.
Custom Wetcast® steps
Steps were built using Wetcast® technology with a Canòpia finish, featuring durable geometry and integrated safety detailing for improved accessibility.
Contact us
🔎 Need information about our products for your project? Contact us at:
✉️comercial@breinco.com
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Breinco
