Barcelona City Award for ‘Architecture and Urban Planning’
This year, the City of Barcelona Award for Architecture and Urbanism was awarded to Carlos Ferrater (OAB architectural firm), Lucía Ferrater (OAB), and Jesús Coll, responsible for the new fish market at the Port of Barcelona. A jury formed by Anna Noguera, Marina Cervera, Núria Colomé, Guim Costa, and Eva Prats recognized the building’s integration into the port and its openness to the public.
The City of Barcelona Awards are presented annually during the Santa Eulàlia festivities, in recognition of the work and creations of individuals and groups who have distinguished themselves in their field for some reason. The awards have been presented since 1949 and are a reflection of Barcelona’s cultural and creative life. This is the 75th anniversary of the awards.
New Fish Market in the Port of Barcelona
OAB Architectural Firm: Carlos Ferrater, Lucía Ferrater and Jesús Coll
The building has been organized into three clearly differentiated blocks, each corresponding to specific functions and different processes, directly related to the functional needs of the auction of the different types of fishing, trawling and hooping, and the docking of boats, as well as the preparation, packaging and invoicing of fish by wholesalers.
These volumetrically independent blocks are connected by porches and walkways that allow for perfect communication and protection of the fish. Of the three blocks comprising the building, the central one is used for the functions of the Guild and for the Administration and Management of the complex. It is set back from the alignment of the other two and faces the western façade to an open courtyard around which the main entrances and functions are structured.
The first floor is surrounded by a walkway that can be accessed directly from the exterior via a ramp that begins next to the Clock Tower, allowing the general public to closely observe the entire fish unloading and auction process without interfering with the work of the professionals. It will also provide direct access to the future restaurant.
The North Block, located next to the entrance to the Fishing Pier and near the Clock Tower, is entirely dedicated to shopping activities.
The South Block, in addition to incorporating the ice factory, contains a box warehouse and a canteen for the exclusive use of fishermenon the ground floor.
The exterior finish is a cast panel cladding, cast in the workshop from aluminum castings poured by gravity into steel die-cast molds.
