The Torre Agbar was built by the Grupo Agbar and houses its headquarters. Since water is the focus of the Augas de Barcelona, the tower represents a water fountain that constantly changes its appearance. Depending on the incidence of light, the tower changes its colours - the coloured aluminium sheeting that reflects the light consists of 40 different colours of high gloss. In front of this layer the wall is clad with thousands of glass louvres that serve as a sunscreen and can be inclined at various angles to guarantee a maximum reflection of solar energy. The space between the façade layers allows a natural circulation of air in the building.

The Torre Agbar was designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel in association with the company b720 Arquitectos from Barcelona. It is said that Nouvel was inspired by the organic forms of Gaudí’s buildings in Barcelona and by the hills of the Montserrat. The building is often compared to a geyser reaching the sky above Barcelona.

At this moment, the Torre Agbar is the highest building in Barcelona. Only the Sagrada Familia will surmount it once the construction works are over - the building regulations in Barcelona do not allow any other building to be taller than the Sagrada Familia.

Nocturnal illumination of the Torre Agbar

When the tower is illuminated at night, it is extremely impressive. During the illumination, the 4,500 illuminated glass panels constantly change their colours. The spectacle can be enjoyed best when not standing too close to it.

Schedule:
Winter: Fri, Sat & Sun.: 20-23.00
Summer: Fri, Sat & Sun: 21-24.00

Also at other times the Torre Agbar will be illuminated.

Visiting the Torre Agbar

The platform of the office building is not opened to the public so it is not possible to enjoy the view on Barcelona from up there. However, there's an exhibition in the lobby of the tower, displaying the history of water treatment in Barcelona.

Reconstruction of the Torre Agbar in a hotel

The Torre Agbar take over the Torre Agbar and rebuild the tower in a Grand Hyatt hotel. Also several restaurants will be open in the building and the observation deck will then be accessible to the public.

Technical data of the Torre Agbar

• Height: 142 m
• Gross floor area: 50,500 m²
• Floors: 32 of which 28 can be used as office spaces
• Expanse of the façade: 16,000 m²
• Surface: 40 special colours of high gloss
• Window cases: 4,349, all differently arranged
• Total amount of windows: 4,500
• Construction period: June 4th, 1999 to January 25th, 2006
• Amount of concrete used: 25,000 m³
• Amount of steel used: 250 tons