Transformation of Port Vell by OAB · Ferrater

DATE

27.08.2025

Located next to the historic Clock Tower, this facility introduces a new passage that acts as a link between the sea and the city, offering promenades and viewpoints overlooking the harbor. Its construction, covering approximately 3,200 m², responds to more than 30 years of anticipation from Barcelona’s fishing sector, accommodating a functional program that integrates not only the fish auction, but also industrial operations and public access.

The building is composed of three autonomous volumes connected by porches and walkways. The central block, slightly offset, houses the fishermen’s guild and administrative offices, while the northern block is dedicated to public auctions and the southern block contains the ice factory, storage area, and canteen for the fishermen. A ramp starting next to the Clock Tower elevates visitors to an upper accessible level, offering the opportunity to observe the auction from the open air and to complete the experience in a future planned restaurant.

The façade is clad in cast aluminum panels made from steel molds, designed by the studio and manufactured in a nearby workshop, providing a clear image, durability, and a nuanced texture that dialogues with the port environment. Inside, the exposed concrete structure and utilitarian finishes reinforce its industrial character. Moreover, the building incorporates sustainable strategies, including photovoltaic panels on the roof, reducing its energy footprint and promoting the use of local and recyclable materials.

The Fishermen’s Market has been awarded the 2024 Premi Ciutat de Barcelona d’Arquitectura i Urbanisme, recognizing its urban integration, public openness, contextual sensitivity, volumetric clarity, and innovative use of materials. More than a simple fishing facility, the project establishes a new centrality within Port Vell, reaffirming fishing as both a cultural and economic urban activity. This space reflects the ability of contemporary design to revive traditions through a modern lens, deeply connected with the community.

MARCH VALENCIA | ARQUITECTURA Y DISEÑO

Back to News