Located at the Muelle de Baleares in Tarragona, the Tarragona Cruise Terminal by Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos reimagines port infrastructure through the lens of modular industrialized architecture. Completed in 2024, the terminal is a critical response to the evolving needs of cruise tourism, offering flexibility, sustainability, and rapid execution through off-site prefabrication.
Tarragona Cruise Terminal Technical Information
- Architects1-10: Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos
- Location: Muelle de Baleares, Tarragona, Spain
- Area: 2,851 m2 | 30,600 Sq. Ft.
- Completion Year: 2024
- Photographs: © Simón García | arqfoto
The proposed geometry represents a victory of the organic underwater world over the hardness of concrete in the ports.
– Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos
Tarragona Cruise Terminal Photographs
Tarragona Cruise Terminal Design Concept
Unlike conventional terminals that prioritize rigid symmetry and rectilinear forms, this project embraces a non-orthogonal geometry inspired by organic marine structures. The irregular pentagonal grid enhances passenger movement and introduces a striking architectural identity that challenges the traditional perception of maritime infrastructure.
The Tarragona Cruise Terminal’s non-orthogonal geometric approach is more than a formal gesture—it is a strategic response to passenger circulation. The architects propose that eliminating right angles reduces congestion and improves flow efficiency, a claim that aligns with contemporary research on spatial dynamics in high-traffic environments.
Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos explicitly ties the design to an underwater aesthetic, framing the architecture as a counterpoint to the stark infrastructural nature of the port. The pentagonal grid references marine motifs, subtly echoing Roman mosaics and Gaudí’s trencadís technique.
Materiality and Construction Logic
A key project innovation is its off-site modular construction, which significantly reduces on-site labor time and minimizes environmental impact. The structure was primarily manufactured in Almería before being assembled in Tarragona, an approach that enhances quality control and minimizes material waste.
The material palette balances durability with energy efficiency and environmental responsibility:
Louvered aluminum façade (Gradhermetic): Controls solar exposure while reinforcing the project’s maritime aesthetic.
Concrete flooring (Molins, Concretes & Aggregates): Provides resilience against heavy foot traffic.
Acoustic ceilings and partitions (Knauf): Enhances interior sound control, a critical factor in high-occupancy transit spaces.
Exterior carpentry (Technal): Ensures durability against coastal weather conditions.
Light, Atmosphere, and the User Experience
One of the terminal’s most striking features is its use of natural light to create an immersive spatial experience. Large skylights resembling mollusks punctuate the ceiling, filtering daylight into the interior and reinforcing the project’s marine narrative. This approach softens the typically utilitarian nature of transit hubs, transforming the waiting experience into one that is more contemplative and dynamic.
The exposed metal framework evokes historic Catalan markets, adding a level of structural honesty to the space. This choice aligns with port architecture’s industrial nature while acknowledging regional precedents. The interplay of light, structure, and form in this terminal is undeniably compelling, yet its success ultimately depends on how passengers perceive and navigate the space.
Sustainability, Economy, and Broader Urban Implications
The Tarragona Cruise Terminal boasts significant environmental efficiencies:
55% reduction in waste
60% reduction in CO2 emissions
80% reduction in water consumption
‘A’ energy rating
Tarragona Cruise Terminal Plans
Tarragona Cruise Terminal Image Gallery
About Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos
Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos is a Spanish architectural firm known for its innovative approach to industrialized and modular construction, emphasizing sustainability, efficiency, and contextual sensitivity. Their designs often integrate advanced prefabrication techniques with strong conceptual narratives, balancing functionality with architectural expression. The firm’s work reflects a commitment to reinterpreting traditional architectural principles through contemporary methodologies, as seen in projects like the Tarragona Cruise Terminal, where modular construction meets organic spatial design.
Credits and Additional Notes
- Client: Tarragona Cruise Terminal, Global Port Holding, Port of Tarragona
- Construction Company: Serom
- Modular Construction: Nevo
- Structural Engineering: CQD Ingeniería
- MEP Engineering: JG Ingenieros
- Design Team: Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos
- Facade System: Gradhermetic
- Flooring: Molins, Concretes & Aggregates
- Partitions, Facades, Ceilings: Knauf
- Exterior Carpentry: Technal
