During the summer, Barcelona has been a focal point for both innovation and maritime elegance, as it hosted the world´s most prestigious sailing competition: the 37th America’s Cup Barcelona 2024. For months, the city pulsated with the adrenaline of the best sailing teams in the world, competing for the ultimate prize against the backdrop of Barcelona city, an incomparable setting. But beyond the regattas and the spectacle taking place out on the high seas, this event has also been memorable for the impact it has had on the urban environment, where architecture and design have combined to play a crucial role.

Our company has had the honour of participating in the preparations for this historic event, creating different ornamental features made from COR-TEN Steel and treated with our LINEACOR products, as well as other steel structures. COR-TEN steel, characterised by its durability and unique aesthetics, has become a key element in bringing to life various structures and architectural details that now adorn different parts of the port area of ​​the city of Barcelona.

More than a year ago, we were commissioned to collaborate on several projects related to the America’s Cup. LINEACOR, working together with two other companys – Acero Corten and Inox, developed several unique architectural pieces and decorative features, all precisely crafted using state-of-the-art laser cutting technology. Each piece was designed to fuse functionality and art, reflecting both the essence of the event and of Barcelona as the host city.

One important detail was the use of an anti-graffiti finish applied to all the COR-TEN steel structures. This treatment not only guaranteed protection against vandalism, but also preserves the integrity and aesthetics of the individual pieces, an essential requirement in an urban environment as busy and emblematic as the port of Barcelona.

From the many different projects that were commisioned, these are some of the key highlights where our participation has had the most impact:

This is a set of COR-TEN steel markers that show the ports that have historically been linked to the Port of Barcelona. These structures consist of COR-TEN steel cylinders decorated with a map of the world, meticulously cut and welded onto each drum. In total, we manufactured 16 units, each of them personalized with GPS coordinates giving the geographical position in relation to the port. The design is not only functional, but also serves as a tribute to the global nature of the sailing competition.

Another significant project that integrates art with functionality is the COR-TEN steel signage designed as “topalls” (stoppers), placed on the ground and with different messages, quotes and references on them. They are situated along the Breakwater Walkway (Passeig de l’Escullera) and have also been used as information guideposts about the different features and structures, such as the sign for The Swallows (Las Golondrinas), the Tables by the Sea (Taules vora la mar), the Fishermen´s Walkway (Pasarel·la dels Pescadors), etc.

Another of the highlights is a steel structure that extends over the rocks and out to the sea, and pays homage to the anglers from the past. In the old days, they built walkways in order to get closer to the water and hence improve the catch from their days spent fishing. This design combines traditional style with modernity, evoking Barcelona’s historical connection with the sea. The robustness and finish of this galvanised steel structure will ensure that it can withstand the elements.

We took special care and applied a loving touch when constructing these tables and chairs, that represent an emotional tribute to the historic restaurant “Porta Coeli” (also known as the “Breakwater Restaurant”), which for over 70 years (1926-2000) was a symbolic place where families, friends and tourists gathered in order to eat by the sea. This space, together with the tables that recreate it, evokes the essence of its iconic outdoor terrace, famous for its views of the Mediterranean. At that time, the restaurant was also an arrival point for the tourist boats known as “The Swallows” (Las Golondrinas), which left from the port of Barcelona, ​​near the Columbus monument, offering a short but memorable tour.

On this occasion, we were commissioned to build the signage that commemorates one of the stops on the famous “Swallows of the Port” route. This is both a transport service and a tourist route between the Portal de la Pau in Barcelona, ​​the Rompeolas Lighthouse and the Porta Coeli restaurant (with some intermediate stops depending on the season). The service was started in 1888 at the time of the Universal Exhibition in Barcelona and has not stopped operating since then, except during the Spanish civil war and more recently during the Covid19 Pandemic.

The 2024 America’s Cup has had more than just a temporary impact on Barcelona. The different elements fabricated from COR-TEN steel and the structures that we have developed – carefully designed and made to last – will remain a tangible legacy for the city, a reminder to both local residents and visitors of the importance of this unique event.

For each structure, there is a narrative about the collaboration, effort and creativity behind it. For our Company, we are proud to have been given the opportunity to contribute to a project of this magnitude and to have put COR-TEN steel to use in the increasingly innovative and beautiful city of Barcelona.

We will continue to believe in promoting design and quality, supporting projects that combine functionality with art, and leaving our mark on every corner where architecture and design provide us with the challenge to participate.