Four years ago, the Barcelona City Council embarked on an ambitious transformation of the iconic Olympic Port to turn it into a space more integrated and committed to its citizens. This project aimed to create a new area where the blue economy, nautical activities, gastronomy and the sea would be the main features, replacing the nightlife business that had previously dominated the area.

ALL SET FOR THE AMERICA’S CUP

With the 37th edition of the America’s Cup to be held in Barcelona between August and October 2024, the transformation has accelerated to ensure the renovation is completed in time for this prestigious international event.

Among all the modifications, the Barcelona City Council updated the lighting on the seafront promenade to LED with a dual objective: to beautify the area and increase energy efficiency. The council needed to quickly update the old discharge lamps that presides over the port’s promenade, and thus relied on Carandini and its Mikos ambient lighting solution.

Carandini supplied, in record time, 64 units of the Mikos projector in size S with two different colour temperatures: half with 2200K and half with 3000K. The combination of these two temperatures (one warm and the other cool) creates a bi-colour architectural lighting that gives a distinctive and sophisticated character to the promenade, transforming the port into an elegant and visually attractive space.

SUSTAINABILITY AS A CENTRAL AXIS

The new Olympic Port has become a vibrant social and family meeting point by the sea, with sustainability as its central axis. The city council has created a new pedestrian access, eliminated barriers and unevenness, and built a large plaza with planters and open spaces that invite people to walk, exercise, or enjoy time with friends. Additionally, they have installed pergolas equipped with photovoltaic panels in the gastronomic area, generating 825,000 kWh per year. Meanwhile, they have naturalized the breakwater, composed of 2,000 concrete blocks, and submerged 50 underwater biotopes to promote the presence of marine flora and fauna.

Following this commitment to sustainability, the Barcelona City Council decided to opt for lighting that is respectful to the environment and people, reducing light pollution and being friendly to the sea and its biodiversity. Carandini’s Mikos projector stands out for its high recyclability rate of over 99%, a carbon footprint of just 0.02 kg/kWh, and its Night Friendly design, which ensures environmentally friendly lighting, protecting both the planet and the environment.

The high efficiency of this projector, combined with its attractive design, has increased the energy savings of the installation and improved the visual impact of one of Barcelona’s most emblematic places.