Barcelona’s leading business associations have proposed a major plan. They aim to extend and enhance the illumination of the city’s iconic buildings and monuments. This initiative seeks to make Barcelona shine brighter into the early hours. It will promote urban heritage and boost the night-time economy.

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The proposal is currently being finalised by several key groups. These include Barcelona Global, Barcelona Oberta, Foment del Treball, and the hospitality and hotel guilds. They suggest that singular structures should feature special illumination throughout the night. Examples include the Sagrada Família, the Cathedral, and Torre Glòries. Other significant monuments could remain lit for several hours. These include the Gamba de Mariscal, La Cara de Barcelona, and the Joan Miró monument in Parc Joan Miró.

Promoting Heritage and Boosting Economy

Luis Sans, President of the Passeig de Gràcia merchants’ association, is a key proponent of this initiative. He highlighted Barcelona’s status as the World Capital of Architecture this year. This presents a unique opportunity to promote the city’s urban heritage. “The most singular buildings, like the Sagrada Família, the Cathedral, or Torre Glòries, should have special illumination all night,” Mr Sans stated. “Barcelona also has other monuments that lose much at sunset. These could be illuminated for several hours.”

Mr Sans further explained the proposal’s benefits. “Besides promoting heritage, we would also improve the feeling of security,” he added. “We would revitalise commerce and hospitality. The promenade would be much more pleasant for everyone.” He drew comparisons to other European capitals. “Paris, Rome, Vienna, or London use these illuminations to project their culture and tourism,” he noted. Mr Sans stressed that the plan focuses on respectful, energy-efficient interventions. It avoids “dazzling light shows.” The associations advocate for a “heritage lighting plan with energy efficiency and environmental respect criteria.”

Current Lighting Policy and Municipal Concerns

Barcelona’s Municipal Council has historically maintained a restrictive policy. This concerns public space illumination. Singular buildings may activate their special lighting around 18:00 in winter. They switch on around 21:00 in summer. However, they must switch off around midnight. Exceptions are typically granted only for specific, designated days. Municipal sources from the Institut Municipal del Paisatge Urbà i la Qualitat de Vida commented on the policy. They stated the institute “ensures these ornamentations are coherent, pleasant, and transmit architectural and historical values.” Any project exceeding these standard regulations requires special authorisation. A sub-commission of the Mixed Commission for Urban Landscape Protection handles these requests.

Albert de Ramos is the Lighting Director at Benito Urban. This company manufactures urban furniture and operates in over 80 countries. Mr De Ramos noted a global trend towards enhancing the illumination of unique buildings. He cited the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Utrecht Cathedral as examples. London’s Battersea Power Station also demonstrates this trend. Mr De Ramos highlighted the Ajuntament’s past concern. They worried singular illuminations could lead to a “competition of buildings.” They also feared a city “full of dazzling advertisements like Times Square.” However, he observed a recent shift towards greater openness. “Currently, in large cities, attention to vertical lighting is growing,” Mr De Ramos explained. “Traditionally, cities mainly illuminated pavements and asphalt. However, people do not walk looking at the ground, but at the buildings.”

Strategic Planning for Illumination

Modern technology allows for environmentally respectful lighting solutions, according to Mr De Ramos. These illuminations enhance heritage and attract tourists. They also provide visual comfort. This improves the sense of security for all citizens. Joan Manuel Sánchez is the Northeast Delegation Manager for Ximenez Group. This is another leading company. He stressed the need for a strategic plan. “Barcelona needs a strategic plan that makes investments profitable,” Mr Sánchez commented. “Some cities create five-year plans. Buildings cannot operate independently.” He suggested such plans offer a coherent theme. They also allow for variations based on the calendar. An example is the yellow lights installed for the recent Tour de France event.

Corporate Support and Future Vision

Merlin Properties owns Torre Glòries. The company expressed enthusiasm for the proposal. “At Merlin Properties, we are delighted that Torre Glòries is also a lighting reference,” a company spokesperson stated. “It has an active link with the city.” The spokesperson added, “Our special interventions for solidarity or cultural reasons allow us to support initiatives of citizen interest. We contribute to urban life and reinforce our commitment to Barcelona.” These interventions happen in collaboration with social entities and the Municipal Council. The business associations remain open to negotiation. They are willing to listen and re-evaluate their requests. They emphasise a collaborative approach with the municipal administration.

The proposed heritage lighting plan aims to strategically leverage Barcelona’s architectural treasures. It seeks to enhance its appeal as a global destination. It also aims to improve the urban experience for residents and visitors alike. Discussions with the Municipal Council are expected to continue. The city seeks to balance promotion with environmental and energy efficiency considerations.

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Originally published by La Vanguardia Barcelona. Read original article.