The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium epitomizes architectural innovation and urban integration in the heart of Madrid. Unlike many iconic stadiums located on the city outskirts, the Bernabéu thrives within Madrid’s vibrant core, alongside one of the city’s principal arteries. Since its inauguration in 1947, it has transcended its role as a mere sports venue to become a powerful city symbol and a cherished part of the collective memory associated with football.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Technical Information
- Architects1-11: L35 Architects, GMP and Ribas & Ribas
- Location: Avenida de Concha Espina, 1, Madrid, Spain
- Topics: Stadiums
- Client: Real Madrid
- Renovation Area: 175.000 m2
- Project Year: 2012 – 2024
- Photographs: © Miguel de Guzmán | Courtesy of Real Madrid
The decision for an asymmetrical and fluid geometry on the façade was taken early, carefully thought through. We kept reworking it to meet the objectives we wanted to achieve. Together with Ernesto Klingenberg we drew a number of sketches, searching for an external envelope that would reflect the spirit of sports and one that would not be static: a dynamic facade. A façade that would change as the passerby moved around the stadium.
– Tristán López-Chicheri, CEO and Senior Partner of L35 Architects.
Santiago Bernabeu Renovation Photographs
History of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, is one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world. Its history is a testament to the club’s growth and success over the decades.
Inauguration and Early Years (1947-1950s)
The stadium was inaugurated on December 14, 1947, with a match between Real Madrid and the Portuguese club Os Belenenses. Originally named Estadio Chamartín, it was built to replace the club’s previous ground and accommodate the growing number of fans. With a capacity of 75,145, the new stadium quickly became a significant landmark in Madrid.
Expansion and Renaming (1950s-1980s)
In 1955, the stadium was renamed Santiago Bernabéu in honor of the club’s then-president, who played a pivotal role in its construction and development. Under Bernabéu’s leadership, the stadium underwent several expansions. By 1957, the capacity had increased to over 125,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in the world at the time.
Modernization and International Recognition (1980s-2000s)
The 1982 FIFA World Cup was a turning point for the Santiago Bernabéu. To meet FIFA’s standards, the stadium underwent significant modernization, including installing seats throughout, which reduced the capacity but improved comfort and safety. Further renovations in the 1990s and 2000s introduced modern amenities, improved facilities, and increased capacity to approximately 81,000 seats.
Recent Developments and Future Plans (2010s-Present)
In 2012, Real Madrid announced ambitious plans for a comprehensive renovation of the Santiago Bernabéu. The project aimed to transform the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility, incorporating a retractable roof, advanced technology, and expanded commercial areas. The renovation, nearing completion, has been overseen by L35 Architects in collaboration with GMP and Ribas & Ribas, aiming to integrate the stadium more seamlessly with the urban fabric of Madrid and enhance its role as a multifunctional venue.
A Visionary Collaboration
The latest remodelling project, nearing its completion, was initiated in June 2012 when L35 Architects, in collaboration with GMP and Ribas & Ribas, won the competition sponsored by Real Madrid. The project represents a bold reimagining of the stadium, emphasizing its relationship with the city and its diverse users. L35 Architects brought their extensive experience in mixed-use projects to the forefront of this renovation. The studio’s approach aligns with Real Madrid’s vision of diversification, transforming the stadium into a multifunctional complex. This philosophy, previously applied to projects like the Simón Bolívar Stadium in La Paz and the Campín Sports-Cultural Complex in Bogotá, aims to integrate sporting, commercial, and leisure activities, ensuring the stadium remains active 365 days a year.
A New Urban Interface
Our challenge as architects was to reconfigure a building of monumental character as a memorable one that would contribute positively to order its surroundings and become and icon for the city
– Tristán López – Chicheri, CEO and Senior Partner of L35 Architects.
One of the standout features of the renovation is the creation of a public entrance on the east façade, facing Paseo de la Castellana. This grand lobby, beneath the new façade’s large overhang, offers an iconic presence and strengthens the stadium’s connection with the city. On the west façade, a new plaza facing Plaza de los Sagrados Corazones serves as an antechamber to the stadium, providing a green public space that harmonizes with the surrounding urban fabric. The stadium’s operations have been significantly improved by introducing a new logistics tunnel, ensuring efficient servicing without disrupting match or event days. This tunnel, threaded between existing foundations, exemplifies the meticulous planning behind the project.
A Dynamic and Permeable Façade
The new façade of Santiago Bernabéu is a marvel of architectural ingenuity. Designed with asymmetrical and fluid geometry, it creates a dynamic visual experience that changes as one moves around the stadium. The cladding, conceived as a light permeable steel skin, allows for natural ventilation and reflects the surrounding activities, integrating the stadium seamlessly with its urban context. L35 Architects have ensured that the renovation respects the stadium’s historical significance and positions it as a sustainable and forward-looking urban landmark. The façade’s reflective quality and soft curves help dematerialize its volume, enhancing its integration with the city while reducing its environmental footprint.
Santiago Bernabeu Renovation Plans
Santiago Bernabeu Renovation Image Gallery
About L35 Architects
L35 Architects is an architecture, urban planning, and design practice with offices in Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Milan, Miami, Mexico, Bogotá, Santiago, Istanbul, and Abu Dhabi. The studio, which started practice in 1967, is integrated by 24 partners and more than 200 professionals, specializing in the areas of mixed-use, urban development projects, residential, office, hotel, commercial, stadium, and sports complexes. Their experience in large-scale projects with mixed-use programs is particularly relevant for the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid, as well as other ongoing projects such as: “El Campín” cultural and sports complex in Bogotá, the Bolívar stadium in La Paz, the reconfiguration of the Toulon seafront in southern France and the renovation of the Roma Termini Stazione. With projects in 40 countries, L35 Architects approaches these architectural challenges using collective reflection with clients and collaborators, pursuing excellence in design and the best conditions for the health and well-being of users.
About GMP
GMP is an internationally renowned architectural firm known for its innovative and sustainable designs in various building types, including sports venues, cultural institutions, and commercial complexes. Founded in 1965 by Meinhard von Gerkan and Volkwin Marg, GMP has a significant global presence and has been involved in high-profile projects such as the Berlin Hauptbahnhof, the Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The firm emphasizes functionality, aesthetics, and integration with the urban environment in its architectural approach.
About Ribas & Ribas
Ribas & Ribas is a prominent architectural firm based in Spain, known for its commitment to contemporary design and urban integration. With a diverse portfolio that includes residential, commercial, and public projects, the firm emphasizes innovative solutions and sustainability. Ribas & Ribas collaborates closely with clients to create spaces that enhance the urban fabric and respond to the needs of modern society. Their work reflects a balance of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental consciousness.
Notes & Additional Credits
- L35 Architects Team: CEO-senior partner: Tristán López-Chicheri; Project coordinator: Alejandro Lorca; Partners in charge of design: Ernesto Klingenberg, Alejandro Barca; Team managers: Raquel Pérez Diego Blasco Sáenz Messia, Guillermo Gusó; Design team: Concha Salguero, Hendrik Hiddemann, Hugo Martínez, Rafael Ortiz de Solórzano, Diego Fierro, Marta Gómez, Laura Fernández, Marta Canto, Andrés Rebuelta, Gerardo Martínez, Borja Fernandez-Del Vallado, Ana Helena Fernandes, Stefano Melgrati, Jorge Romera, Bosco Pita, Pablo García, Paulo Romero, Sergio Sanz, María Pérez, Roberto Ráez, Iván López-Chicheri, Yanis Amasri, Marco Silva, Almudena Blanco.
- GMP Team: Markus Pfisterer, Martin Glass
- Ribas & Ribas Team: José Ribas, Adriana Ribas
- Construction company: FCC (main contractor)
- Project manager: Bovis
- Building surveyor: AYESA
- Engineering: INES Ingenieros (Structural concept and design); SBP (Roof structural concept and design)
- MEP engineering: Aguilera Ingeniería
- Landscaping: Porras La Casta Arquitectos
- Other consultants: Lichtvision (Lighting); ARUP (Facade); INASUS (Facade); Modelical (BIM); VADA10 (Construction Management); LAC Consultores de Estructuras (Structural Engineering), LDC (Lighting);
- Sketch credit: L35 Architects
