The new BBVA corporate headquarters is a design by prestigious Swiss architectural studio founded by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron.

The Ciudad BBVA complex spans over 114,000 square meters with two types of buildings. Seven low-rises and one high-rise, La Vela, will accommodate 6,000 employees.

La Vela, named by the employees, is a 93 meter tall high-rise which presides over the large 100 meter diameter plaza.

There are no closed offices in Ciudad BBVA. All employees work in open floor spaces which are equipped with plenty of formal or informal meeting areas.

The new BBVA headquarters boasts over 49,000 square meters of glass façades and 2,800 slats, or brise-soleils, block direct sunlight. All employees enjoy natural light.

The city’s low-rises take their names from the different continents, and the streets that separate them from oceans and seas. The goal, to convey BBVA Group’s global dimension.

The central plaza is surrounded by a ring, almost 400 meter long, that connects the low-rises. Eight helical staircases provide access to the plaza from the ring.

A percentage of the energy needs of the complex are met using internal renewable energy sources, both solar and geothermal.

Ciudad BBVA has over 31,000 square meters of green areas. Also, all roofs are covered with Mediterranean plants.

Awnings and overhanging plants protect the streets during summer months.

Rainwater is collected for watering purposes by means of a collection and channeling system. Grey water, from bathroom sinks, for example, is also reused to reduce water consumption.

Ciudad BBVA is the largest office complex in Europe to be lighted with LED technology. It is also equipped with a power consumption system which receives information from the presence detectors installed throughout all buildings.

One of the most spectacular spaces in Ciudad BBVA is the treasury room: 1,600 square meters where 400 traders conduct over 8,000 transactions every day.

There are six restaurants and cafeterias in Ciudad BBVA, all of which offer wifi access to the corporate network, just like any other location in the city.

The streets and buildings of the city boast some of the most original works of the BBVA Collection, such as this sculpture by Esperanza D’Ors.

La Vela’s unique shape has turned it into a new landmark in Madrid’s skyline.