In 2015, Ricardo Bofill’s Architecture Workshop requested the collaboration of TYPSA to carry out the engineering work for the new MSC cruise terminal in Barcelona, the last project carried out by the architect before his passing. After delivering the preliminary design in 2016, five years later the Barcelona Port Authority approved the concession for its operation and work began on the detailed design, on which TYPSA worked continuously, from 2021 to 2023, providing a powerful multidisciplinary team in the areas of structures, installations, hydraulics and linear works, provided by its regional offices of Catalunya and Valencia.
In the final stretch, an extension of the contract was formalised for its conclusion in collaboration with the construction company, with TYPSA providing technical engineering assistance.
The new terminal is located on a large foundation slab with variable ridges, between 1.5 and 2.3 m, located in an area recuperated from the sea, guaranteeing monolithic movement in the event of possible settlements. Above, a concrete structure is built with post-stressed slabs that allow for large interior overhangs. The building is crowned by a lattice structure optimised to have as little edge as possible, while solving the large outer perimeter cantilever of 4 m above which the ceramic characteristic of this building hangs.
The installations have been designed seeking full integration with the architecture. Located on an intermediate level or mezzanine, there is a large technical room for the entire air conditioning system, allowing the main deck to be freed from installations, given the visual importance from the ships. The facilities also include elements linked to sustainability criteria, such as a rainwater recovery tank, efficient lighting and heat recovery system, among others, which has allowed the building to be accredited with LEED Gold certification.
In addition, TYPSA has developed detailed engineering for the urbanisation, including the manoeuvring area, highlighting the complexity of the entire drainage system as it was a plot regained from the sea in previous years.
In April 2025, the official Ribbon Opening Ceremony was attended by the Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, the Government Delegate, the Minister for the Presidency of the Generalitat, the President of the Port of Barcelona and the fourth Deputy Mayor of the City Council, as well as senior representatives of the MSC Group and all the participants in the project and construction of the terminal.
The terminal is an important project for tourism development in Barcelona, on which the entire TYPSA team has worked with total commitment for almost 10 years, with total satisfaction and gratitude both from the client and project leaders.
