ABSTRACT
Barcelona’s bid for the 1992 Summer Games was seen by both national and regional governments as the opportunity to transform a decaying post-industrial seaport into a modern, high-tech cultural centre and tourist destination. Massive funding was made available; a major urban transformation was launched, spearheaded by internationally renowned designers. Four Olympic parks housed more than 80 per cent of the competition venues.
As part of Barcelona’s unsuccessful bid for the 1936 Summer Games a stadium had been constructed to the south-west of the city centre. By the 1970s it had decayed and was virtually abandoned. Nevertheless the decision was made to bring it up to modern standards for the 1992 Games.
This involved retaining the elaborate stone façade – which resulted in an unusual planform. To increase spectator capacity the stadium interior was ripped out, the arena was excavated to a depth of 11m and new grandstands constructed to bring spectator capacity up to 60,000. A new fabric roof was installed, lighting and other systems upgraded.
Since the Games the stadium, now known as Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, has struggled to find a long-term role. It is now a popular stop on the city’s tourist circuit.
