Torre de Cristal, Glass skyscraper in Cuatro Torres Business Area, Madrid, Spain
Torre de Cristal is a glass-fronted skyscraper in the Cuatro Torres Business Area that rises 249 meters across 52 floors above ground. Its transparent facade creates visual depth throughout the day, while 27 elevators and six underground levels serve the building's office spaces and support facilities.
Construction began in 2004 and concluded in 2008, marking a pivotal moment in Madrid's development as an international business center. The building arose during a period of rapid economic expansion in Spain's capital.
The tower represents Madrid's shift toward a modern financial hub, where glass and steel structures now define the skyline. Visitors can observe from outside how these contemporary buildings have reshaped the city's identity and urban character.
The building is easy to view and photograph from public spaces around the Cuatro Torres area. As an office building, visitor access is restricted to the exterior, but the architectural design can be appreciated from all angles around the complex.
The roof features photovoltaic cells that heat water for the building's systems, an early example of environmental consideration in commercial design from that era. This green feature remains largely hidden from view, yet it demonstrates how sustainability was being integrated into office buildings at the time.
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