The North Fair Gate is composed of a series of buildings that generate spaces in their surrounding area which can be used as walks, rest areas or meeting points for visitors to the grounds. A fountain, with subtle water play, helps to regulate the ambient temperature of the area and make it more pleasant.

The buildings that make up the North Fair Gate and the Vestibule of the Fair, which is the main entrance to the complex, and two great twin towers.

These towers, by the acclaimed architect Toyo Ito, are destined to become another of the great icons of the architectural design of Barcelona . Both are red. One of them, 114 meters and 28 storeys in height, will be a hotel, and the other designated as office spaces.

The two towers were conceived as if one were the reflection of the other. This is the sensation which the architect would like the thousands of drivers who pass by on Gran Via to experience every day. The objective is also to make of these two buildings a new entry gate to Barcelona . The towers are a version of the two Venetian towers that frame the access point to the historic grounds of the Barcelona Trade Fair at Plaça Espanya.

The most significant urban elements (surroundings, fair gates, unique buildings, etc.) were assigned by way of an international architecture competition won by the Japanese architect Toyo Ito.

Vestibule

It is a building which serves as the façade to the fair, generating around it a public square, possible rest area or meeting point for visitors to the Fair. The building is of organic form. The façade itself is of curved glass, with organic walls protecting it and a flat upper deck with an architectonic projection jutting from its edges.

The building covers a surface area of about 5.000 m2 and it is developed on three main levels, as well as a few technical floors.

The Underground Level: Beneath the surface at street level with courtyards allowing for natural light, this floor houses the Customer Service Office, the Pressroom and its Offices, and the connection to the future subway station Fira on lines L2 and L9.

The Ground Floor: The level with direct street access, it contains the vestibule with all its services, it connects to Pavilion 1, and it also has a restaurant which can also be entered from the street.

The First Floor: This one connects to the Central Axis and houses a restaurant and the protocol areas.

In total, it comes to 14.369 m2 of surface area, 2.044 m2 of which correspond to courtyards and gardens, 2.402 m2 dedicated to food services, and 3.102 m2 exterior public works.

The competition for this work was divided into three phases.

•  Phase 1: Structure. Adjudicated in June 2005. The works began in September 2005 and were completed in October 2006.

•  Phase 2: Architecture. Adjudicated in October 2005. The works began in January 2006. Its completion is projected for January 2007.

•  Phase 3: Facilities. Adjudicated in October 2005. The works began in February 2006 and their completion is projected for January 2007.

•  Transport facilities were adjudicated in May 2005 in a competition including other facilities on the grounds.