The Plaza de las Glòries Catalanes has established itself as one of the most significant urban projects in Barcelona in recent years. In the 2025 edition of the Ciutat de Barcelona Award for Architecture and Urbanism, the jury—composed of Eva Prats, Marina Cervera, Josep Ferrando, Ninoska Juan, and Marc Riera—granted this recognition to the work of Ana Coello, Agence Ter, and Meta Engineering for the urbanization of the square, alongside the teams responsible for its development.
The award ceremony was held at the Saló de Cent of the Barcelona City Council, highlighting the project as a model of urban centrality capable of balancing the city and actively integrating the surrounding cultural, educational, and civic facilities.
A new urban heart
Located at a strategic crossroads in Barcelona, the Plaza de las Glòries Catalanes links the Diagonal, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, and Meridiana avenues. The project provides tailored solutions in paving, street furniture, and urban elements, creating an accessible, functional, and durable environment—a reinvented space serving as a dynamic urban hub designed for both people and the city’s flow.
Vulcano® Slab: sustainable design for large urban surfaces
A key element of the project is the paving with Vulcano® Slab, which has been awarded the Environmental Quality Guarantee Award by the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda of the Generalitat de Catalunya. Its high durability, color stability, and aesthetic quality make it an ideal choice for high-traffic public spaces. For this project, the Canòpia color was developed—a light shade that helps lower pavement temperature and improves thermal comfort. Additionally, specific tactile paving was incorporated to assist in the orientation of people with visual impairments, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the space.
Integrated alongside Vulcano® Slab, Tactile Crossing and Warning units were implemented—tactile pavements designed to improve accessibility for individuals with visual or cognitive impairments.
Wetcast®: innovation, durability, and aesthetics
The project integrates elements manufactured using Wetcast® technology, an architectural concrete that allows for the creation of custom pieces with high precision and versatility. Thanks to its durability, low maintenance, and customization options for shapes and finishes, Wetcast® has enabled the incorporation of street furniture and unique pieces that blend seamlessly into the square’s green environment.
The combination of sustainable solutions, custom design, and accessibility criteria turns Glòries into an example of how innovative materials can contribute to creating urban spaces that are more livable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Arquitectos y paisajistas: UTE Agence Ter | Ana Coello de Llobet | Meta Engineering
Project completion year: 2025
Surface area: 20400 m²
BIMSA, Barcelona d’Infraestructures Municipals | Premi Ciutat de Barcelona d’Arquitectura i Urbanisme 2025 |
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Linkography Premis Ciutat de Barcelona COAC ACPA Ana Coello
