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La Rambla to unveil a unique design for its terraces
La Rambla is also set to change one of its most visible features: the terraces. In the final phase of its renovation, Barcelona is seeking a unique design for the bars and restaurants along the promenade, with elements intended to better organise the space and strengthen the identity of one of the city's most recognisable places.
The competition is promoted by ADI-FAD with the support of Barcelona City Council. The call focuses on the so-called Zone of Excellence and seeks to find a proposal capable of integrating into the urban landscape without competing with the heritage value of La Rambla.
The aim is to design three key elements for the terraces, using criteria of functionality, sustainability, ergonomics and innovation. It is not only about changing furniture, but about defining how public space will look and be used on a promenade crossed every day by residents, workers, tourists and traders.
The winning proposal will receive 30,000 euros, an amount that will cover the drafting of the preliminary project, prototype development and oversight through to approval. The teams selected in the preliminary phase will receive 1,500 euros to develop their ideas.
The competition is aimed at product-design studios and professionals in Catalonia and will be organised in three phases. Portfolios may be submitted from 13 July 2026 until 27 July at 17:00, and the selected projects will be exhibited at Disseny Hub Barcelona.
The jury will include representatives of the City Council, ADI-FAD, the Gremi de Restauradors and the Associació d’Amics de la Rambla. In addition, there will be an independent figure responsible for ensuring the transparency and impartiality of the process.
The decision will directly affect the daily experience on La Rambla. A terrace is not merely a place to sit: it occupies space, shapes routes, changes the perception of the promenade and affects coexistence between customers, pedestrians and commercial activity.
The renewal leaves a clear idea about La Rambla’s future: Barcelona wants to restore order, urban quality and character to a space that for years has borne tourist pressure, wear and very intensive uses. The new terrace design will be one more piece in that attempt to restore balance to one of the city’s most emblematic promenades.