The central axis is one of the most significant elements of the project of the Japanese architect Toyo Ito, and it constitutes the backbone of the Barcelona Trade Fair Gran Via. It consists of an elevated corridor, more than a kilometer long and equipped with moving walkways. It connects the two new entrances of the grounds with all the pavilions, facilitating the habitual massive movement of the trade fairs. The central axis is found seven meters high and made of glass, aiding the orientation of the visitors and making travel more pleasant.

It is divided into different parts according to the pavilions which it connects.

CENTRAL AXIS 2 and 3

This stretch is the one that crosses pavilions 2 and 3, and contains the new access points to each. It is an open walkway with glass lateral façades, which act as an acoustic barrier and which permit the contemplation of the interior of the pavilions from above.

This part of the Axis has a constructed surface of 3.900 m2.

The project includes a new Business Center in the uppermost part of Pavilion 2, which is accessed directly from the Axis, and the Infirmary located on the ground level of Pavilion 3.

The project is divided into three phases, the completion of which is slated for December 2006. The construction has had to be carried out intermittently in order to respect the Fair's schedule, since Pavilions 2 and 3 have always been in operation.

• Phase 1: Foundation and Structure. Finished in August 2005.
• Phase 2: Structure. Finished in 2006.
• Phase 3: Architecture and installations. Completion slated for December 2006.

CENTRAL AXIS 4 - 6

This part of the axis runs through four of the pavilions. On one side are found pavilions 4 and 6, which have already been completed, and on the other, 5 and 7, which are to be constructed in the next phase of investments.

One of the unique elements of this stretch is that the axis has garden terraces open for public use. It also has a ground level which, in addition to connecting to the four pavilions, it is a space designated for exhibitions of 3.500 m2 .

In the length above Alumini Street , the Central Axis becomes an enclosed space, onto the walls of which is projected audiovisual visitor information about events on the grounds.

In total, this stretch of the Axis occupies a constructed surface area of 16.300 m 2 , of which 2.300 m 2 have been designated for exhibition and 4.000 m 2 are terraces.

The construction has been licensed in two phases: Civic Works and Installations.

•  In March 2005, both were adjudicated.

•  The transport installations (elevators, escalators and moving walkways), were adjudicated in may 2005, in a competition which encompassed all the systems of transport on the grounds.