Urban Planning, Ecological Transition, Urban Services and Housing

The final renovation project for the outside of the Castell dels Tres Dragons, in the Parc de la Ciutadella, entails a revamp to the building’s façades and the renovation and improvement of energy efficiency of the rooftop of this unique building, created by the modernista architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner in 1888. The work is expected to cost eight million euros and should get under way in the autumn, taking around 14 months to complete.

Initially designed as a café-restaurant for the Universal Expo of 1888, the Castell dels Tres Dragons, in the Parc de la Ciutadellla, combined various uses, including natural sciences. Closed to the public since 2011, when the Museu de Ciències Naturals closed down, the building is one of the museum’s science site which looks after zoology and geology collections.

The work to bring this singular building up to date forms part of the Ciutadella del Coneixement project and the renovation to the whole set of heritage buildings here, along with the Hivernacle, the Museu Martorell and the Umbracle, to act as spaces for scientific dissemination for the general public.

Actions planned in the renovation project

Work will address the following six zones, which directly affect the renovation and original appearance of the building, plus the improvement of its energy aspects:

• Arched ground-floor area: Removal of the bird cages and all other elements that were not part of the original space, plus a new floor with paving that respects the former characteristics of the building.
• Façades: Renovation of damage, sealing cracks and bracing this to the perpendicular wall. Singular elements will also be renovated, such as the ceramic glaze, pictorial elements such as the image on the main façade and ironwork and woodwork features.
• Arches: Pitting of central arches that support the rooftop structure in the main hall.
• Rooftops: New rooftop that meets energy efficiency requirements.
• First-floor balconies: Reconstruction and improvement of weatherproofing, with the intention of ensuring the future use of these terraces. The work will include the renovation of wooden and iron handrails, as well as the structural strengthening of balconies.
• Outdoor staircases: Work to improve the condition of stonework.
• Outdoor spaces: Arrangement of all immediate outdoor space around the building to improve the presentation of the ground floor and address relevant pathologies on the ground and in natural vegetation.

Once the final project is approved, the work will be tendered and is expected to begin in the autumn. Before that, going into the summer, part of the collections inside the building will be transferred to ensure they are preserved.

In the future, the Castell dels Tres Dragons is expected to house services for the public, exhibition spaces and dissemination activities, as well as a large auditorium and unique science library.