SOCOTEC participates in the transformation of Barcelona's Montjuïc

Contact us

The future of Montjuïc takes shape: SOCOTEC participates in the redevelopment. 

The future Montjuïc venue in Barcelona will be transformed following the winning architectural proposals. The goal is to turn this emblematic site, host of the 1929 World Expo, into an iconic 21st-century urban trade fair precinct. 

  • Client: Fira de Barcelona
  • Location: Barcelona, Spain
  • Project Period: 2026–2029
  • Architects / Project Authors: MIAS - BIG

With an investment of 255 million euros, this project is divided into three phases. Within this framework, the SOCOTEC team has played a key role in developing the structural engineering project for the redevelopment of the Palau del Vestit 

"L’Avantsala de la Fira":  The SOCOTEC Project

SOCOTEC has collaborated on the structural project for the redevelopment of the Palau del Vestit, transforming it into the Fira Barcelona Innovation Hub—the institution’s future permanent center for innovation. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and MIAS Architecture, the project features a functional and flexible three-story Z-shaped building, surrounded by gardens open to the public.

  • decorative yellow quote
  • decorative yellow quote
  • decorative yellow quote
  • decorative yellow quote
01 / 05

The new facility will blend the original designs of Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Josep Maria Jujol with modern structures, designed to house flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, and an auditorium for over 200 people.

Furthermore, a new sawtooth-shaped facade will be created along Gran Via, allowing natural light to reach all upper-floor spaces. The existing facade on Plaça d'Espanya will be transformed into an entrance portico leading to the public gardens.

Structural Development of the Palau del Vestit: Innovation and Technical Precision at the Trade Fair Venue

From SOCOTEC’s Structural Design department, we provide the engineering expertise required to solve the project's greatest challenge: integrating a modern office and auditorium complex while preserving the historical essence of the Plaza España colonnade.

Following the "tectonic and mass-based" architectural concept, SOCOTEC has designed a primarily reinforced concrete structure, projected to remain exposed as a key aesthetic element.

  • Efficient Grid: The building is organized around a regular 8x8 meter grid.

  • Solid Slab Floors: We have designed 30 cm thick solid slabs. This solution not only provides layout flexibility for the floor plans but also ensures excellent fire protection (R90 on upper floors and R120 in basements).

  • Long Spans with Post-Tensioning: For the auditorium and leisure rooms, the team designed post-tensioned solid slabs. This technique allows for spans of up to 14 meters, achieving open-plan spaces free of columns.

The building's roof breaks away from the massiveness of the concrete, adopting a lightweight steel structure with a "sawtooth" design, optimized for the installation of photovoltaic panels.

  • Warren Trusses: Warren-type trusses are used with 4-meter cantilevers at the ends—a technical solution that compensates for deflections and reduces the clear span between supports.

  • Horizontal Stability: Resistance to horizontal loads (wind and seismic activity) is guaranteed by concrete shear walls strategically located within the vertical circulation cores.

Based on geotechnical studies, the SOCOTEC team has defined a hybrid foundation strategy to adapt to the varying depths of the soil strata:

  • Semi-deep Foundations: Use of shaft foundations (piers) and footings (approx. 4x4m).

  • Deep Foundations: In specific areas where the bedrock is at a greater depth, the use of piles has been planned to exceed depths of 4 meters.

  • Slurry Walls / Diaphragm Walls: For the construction of the underground parking, 45 cm diaphragm walls have been designed. This system ensures the stability of public roads and prevents the undermining of neighboring building foundations.

background dark blue

Structural Design and BIM Team

Structural Engineering for a 21st-Century Icon

“Our challenge at the Palau del Vestit has been to design a cutting-edge structure that creates a dialogue with the legacy of Puig i Cadafalch. By using post-tensioned slabs for long spans and a lightweight roof with complex geometry, we have achieved open-plan, flexible spaces for the future Innovation Hub, while keeping the historical essence of Montjuïc intact.” 

Blanca Boira – Head of the Structural Design Team at SOCOTEC

 

> Lara Sierra, Yolanda Expósito y Blanca Boira

 

“Our challenge at the Palau del Vestit has been to design a cutting-edge structure that creates a dialogue with the legacy of Puig i Cadafalch. By using post-tensioned slabs for long spans and a lightweight roof with complex geometry, we have achieved open-plan, flexible spaces for the future Innovation Hub, while keeping the historical essence of Montjuïc intact.” 

Blanca Boira – Head of the Structural Design Team at SOCOTEC

 

> Lara Sierra, Yolanda Expósito y Blanca Boira

 

Through solutions such as post-tensioned concrete and precise technical coordination of the foundations, safety, functionality, and respect for the architectural value of Plaza España will be guaranteed. This is achieved thanks to a structural concept that integrates with and enhances the original design

Looking for a structural engineering team for your project?

Our experience at the Palau del Vestit reflects an engineering approach committed to functionality and architectural respect. Trust our technical expertise to transform your ideas into solid and efficient structures.