Torre Glòries, High-tech skyscraper in Poblenou district, Barcelona, Spain
Torre Glòries is a cylindrical office tower at the junction of Avinguda Diagonal and Carrer Badajoz in the Poblenou district, rising 144 meters (472 feet) above the city. Its outer shell consists of about 4500 glass panels that form a changing illuminated surface at night.
Jean Nouvel designed this structure, which was completed in 2005 after six years of construction. It was originally planned as a landmark for the economic renewal of the district and initially served as headquarters for a Catalan water supply company.
The name refers to Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, a major junction where the tower stands as a gateway marker between old and new Barcelona. Locals now use this landmark to orient themselves when navigating the eastern districts of the city.
The tower is best viewed from street level, especially from the nearby plaza where the full height can be appreciated. The lighting is most effective after dark, when the changing patterns move across the facade.
The structure uses no load-bearing wall but relies on an inner concrete skeleton that carries the entire weight. This construction allowed the glass facade to be shaped freely, without static constraints.
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