An ambitious project

Visible from towns and cities over 30 kilometres from Barcelona, the photovoltaic pergola at the Fòrum is an enormous superstructure standing 50 metres above sea level and with a surface area similar to that of a football pitch.

Designed by the architects Elías Torres and J. A. Martínez Lapeña, it is regarded as a great piece of engineering and one of the major symbols of the new architecture in Barcelona. It was built in 2004 as part of the Forum of Cultures project, and the idea for it reflected the spirit of sustainability and making the most of natural resources that characterises Barcelona.

Contributing to the environment

The structure, popularly known as the pergola, is an example of the use of renewable energies. It has nearly 3,000 panels that take advantage of solar energy and avoid the production of 440 tonnes of CO₂ every year.