In an exceptional location, Liceu Mar aims to engage with the landscape and the horizon, incorporating the poetic dimension of the relationship between sea and culture. An open and integrated cultural space, capable of enriching the civic experience and reinforcing Port Vell as a cultural hub.
The competition, launched in July of last year, is being held in two phases: the first, open to all, selected five finalists based on their experience, and the second, in which the five finalists will develop their proposals. The winning team will carry out the preliminary design, the basic design, and the subsequent phases. The finalists will receive 25,000 euros and must present a model and graphic documentation for public exhibition in the World Capital of Architecture 2026.
The finalist teams
Team 1: UTE SANAA + CFA
SANAA Jimusho Ltd
CAMPS FELIP ARQUITECTURA SLP
Team 2: UTE BATLLÉ ROIG SLP - SNØHETTA OSLO
BATLLE ROIG SLP
SNØHETTA OSLO
Team 3: UTE BAROZZI VEIGA + MAIO + BURGOS GARRIDO
Barozzi Veiga SLP Studio
Maio Architect SLP
Burgos y Garrido Arquitectos SLP
Team 4: UTE SOU FUJIMOTO + GRAS + ALDAYJOVER
Sou Fujimoto Architects Inc
GRAS Reynés architects
Alday Jover architects SLP
Team 5: UTE DECAS_b720_CeC
DECAS David Chipperfield Architects Santiago De Compostela SLU
b720 Arquitectura SLP
CREUSeCARRASCO arquitectos SLP.
The evaluation of these areas was carried out according to criteria such as architectural quality and a design focused on the user experience; permeability, welcoming of people, and the architectural and structural integration of the systems; the project's relationship with the landscape and its integration into the urban context, as well as comfort and proximity to users and pedestrians. The analytical process of the room's requirements and needs for adopting acoustic criteria was also evaluated, as well as the architectural integration of the audiovisual communication systems and elements and their degree of innovation.
The Port of Barcelona will be responsible for the urban development of the areas surrounding the future facility. The municipal company Barcelona d’Infraestructures Municipals (BIMSA) will be responsible for the comprehensive management of the construction of the new Liceu Mar.
The Port of Barcelona will manage the urban development of the surrounding area, while the municipal company Barcelona d’Infraestructures Municipals (BIMSA) will handle the comprehensive management of the construction of the new Liceu Mar building, thanks to an agreement between the Barcelona City Council and the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
