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Power tower
Torre Iberdrola epitomises Bilbao’s emblematic rise to economic powerhouse status
T
OWERING 165 metres over one of the country’s most populated metropolitan areas, the Torre Iberdrola boasts 40 floors, 22 lifts and the ever essential helipad. Designed by Argentinian architect Cesar Pelli, the financial and commercial epicentre is the tallest building in Bilbao, and has been praised for its elegant, sober lines and its use of glass with travertine, marble and metal. Built in the Abandoibarra district, which has undergone huge renovations, the skyscraper houses mostly office block as well as an auditorium that can hold up to 200 people. It is the first building in Europe to obtain the LEED Platinum certification for its sustainable design - the highest rating achievable from the US Green Building Council - reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainability. The imposing structure is home to almost 40 global companies, including British Telecom, KPMG, Nespresso, Canon, PWC and of course, the Iberdrola headquarters. The presence of global companies is largely thanks to the city’s heavy industrialisation in recent years, which has led to it becoming the second-most industrialised region of Spain behind Barcelona. Mirroring London, it has become a vigorous service city, and is still experiencing an ongoing social, economic, and aesthetic revitalisation process. This began with the iconic Guggenheim Museum (pic above right) and continued with the airport terminal, rapid transit system, tram line, and the multi-purpose venue Azkuna Zentroa. As the Basque economy continues to grow, so too will Bilbao’s development, with the Torre Iberdrola central as the epitome of its successes.
July 20th - August 2nd 2016
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HELIPORT
41
37
IBERDROLA
30 29
NOT TO BE SNIFFED AT: Tower by the Guggenheim celebrated flower dog
KUTXABANK VIDA ASEGURADORA
28
KUTXABANK GESTíON
27
NORBOLSA
26
IBERDROLA ART EXHIBITION
25
PLANTA DE EVENTOS
24
AENOR
OFICINA PILOTO
23
WHITE HOLE
22
URíA MENéDEZ
21
CARECHE
ACCENTURE
20
BOOKING
BILBAO GAS HUV
19
NESPRESO
18
BRITISH TELECOM
17
TRAINING EXPRESS
16
CBRE Y OTROS
ZIB
IBM 15
ACCENTURE
14
ERNST & YOUNG AVALON
MARSCH 13
ANDBANK
DIALOGA GROUP
12
PWC WILLIS
11
EL MUNDO PWC
10
VINZEO
CANON
9
MERISANT
AON
8
EVERIS
7
KPMG
ACCENTURE
6
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
5
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
4
bussiness center
EVERIS 3
RESTAURANT
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