Montju´c Telecommunications Tower
Santiago Calatrava 1991
Calatrava's beautiful and
original communications tower was built for Telefˇnica in the heart of
the 1992 Olympic site, to carry coverage of the Games. Aside from its
distinctive structural form, the tower is innovative in enclosing the
circular platform of microwave dishes, replacing the normal clutter with a
serene white arc. As a result the 130 meter structure becomes a welcome
feature in the Olympic park.
Imagery abounds. The overall
form of the tower is based on a Calatrava sketch of a kneeling figure
making an offering. The base on which the figure 'kneels' is covered in
broken glazed tiles in recognition of Gaudi (though with more restrained
colors). The orientation of the tower means that the shadow of the central
needle on the circular platform acts as a (rather impractical) sundial.
Simon Glynn 2001
How to visit
The tower forms part of the
Olympic Ring complex in Montju´c park, close to the Olympic Stadium.
You can reach it with least effort
by taking the Funicular de Montju´c. Or take Metro lines 1 or 3 to Espanya