Both projects were pioneers in redefining the shopping experience, introducing open-air concepts, public space integration, landscape design, and leisure facilities long before these became widespread. Their innovative approach set new standards for the sector, influencing the evolution of retail destinations globally .
- La Maquinista, inaugurated in 2000, was the first large open-air shopping center in Spain, seamlessly blending urban fabric and commercial space, and transforming a former industrial area of Barcelona into a vibrant new urban district.
- Puerto Venecia, opened in 2012, is one of Europe’s largest retail and leisure destinations. Conceived as a space for social interaction, it integrates shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and a man-made lake, creating a unique setting that has become a reference point in Zaragoza and beyond .
The recognition of these two projects underlines the role of Spanish architecture in shaping international retail and mixed-use design. At L35 Architects, we are proud to see how our work continues to resonate, inspiring new ways of connecting commerce, leisure, and public life.