New Square of Puerta del Sol in Madrid: A…

Cities are constantly changing, and Madrid is no exception. Recently, we had the privilege of collaborating with the production company MBC Audiovisuales to bring to life the new square of Puerta del Sol in Madrid on the program “Desmontando Madrid“.

Works in the Heart of the Capital of Spain

Puerta del Sol has been the pulsating heart of Madrid since the 17th century. Today, with its transformation nearing completion, we can already showcase architectural previews of this public project that, through a series of virtual integrations, allow glimpses into the future appearance of this iconic meeting point. This offers a striking comparison between its current state and its imminent configuration.

The Working Process: ArchVIZ and Virtual Integration

The creation of high-quality content showcasing the outcome of construction or urban and architectural renovation works, from the planning stage even before the commencement of the actual construction, requires extensive knowledge and a meticulous process that adds value to our services, at least until artificial intelligence is capable of creating stable and replicable images, videos, and scenes that consistently follow logical conceptual frameworks.

Our work in the program dedicated to “El Madrid del Futuro,” which featured several scenes showcasing the new square of Puerta del Sol in Madrid, involved creating virtual integrations for the dissemination of architectural visuals. Virtual integration allows us to incorporate our 3D model into a real photograph or video, creating an accurate and compelling presentation of the completed project. This process includes camera matching and camera tracking to precisely align our 3D model with the original image.

Next, we create detailed and realistic 3D models of the architectural elements based on references, utilizing techniques such as modeling, texturing, and lighting adjustments. These models are then combined with the virtual environment to obtain a comprehensive and detailed representation of how the renovated square will blend with the existing urban surroundings.

Collectively, our approach to virtual integration and architectural visualization provides a realistic vision of what the new square Puerta del Sol will look like after the completion of the public works, allowing us to anticipate its impact on the urban environment of Madrid.

The Future of Puerta del Sol: Pedestrianization and Modernity

The reform of the Puerta del Sol square marks a milestone in the evolution of Madrid. Following a trend that began in the late 19th century, the square will be transformed into a completely pedestrian space, prioritizing people over motorized vehicles and including a “bike lane”.

Our visualization details the most significant changes of an open square with an artificial appearance and devoid of natural shadows. The new pavement of the square is composed of large granite slabs, among which a series of metal embellishments are radially arranged on the elliptical side, resembling rays of sunlight. A sequence of benches is also arranged in the same pattern on the northern side. The famous equestrian statue of Carlos III will leave its privileged location in the center of the urban space and be relocated to one side of the square, decentralized within an elliptical fountain. The main lighting of the fountain is arranged in a manner that evokes the flag of the Autonomous Community of Madrid.

The symbiosis between glass and metal is one of the most striking features of the new urban furniture. The controversial “whale” that provides access to the train and metro interchange will be replaced by an oval-shaped structure that is completely glazed. There is a significant debate surrounding this structure, and as of today, it is not clear whether it will actually be executed.

The traditional kiosks and lottery stands will be completely replaced by more modern, centralized, and open structures, which have already been installed at both ends of the longitudinal axis of the square. The elevators also use the same materials with a modernist aesthetic and a touch of futuristic minimalism.

The statue of Venus or Diana, popularly known as “Mariblanca” will also be relocated, along with the famous sculpture of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (a speaking figure in the heraldry of the city of Madrid). Both statues will be slightly moved from their current locations to be situated at both ends of the square, marking the beginning and the end of the series of benches that provide resting spots for pedestrians.

The famous plaque that marked the Kilometer 0 of the radial roads of Spain will also undergo a change in its appearance, replacing the traditional and discreet square tile of the past with a compass rose. The new design features metallic embellishments radiating outwards and includes indications along its border pointing to the directions of some of the main Spanish cities.

Digital Technologies: A World of Possibilities at Your Fingertips

Thanks to the virtual integration of architectural visuals, we have been able to bring the new square of Puerta del Sol in Madrid to life. This project has allowed us to showcase how public works can transform an urban space and how technology and our products can serve as a bridge between the present and the future.

We hope that this content about the future Puerta del Sol in Madrid has given you an idea of the possibilities offered by virtual integration in the field of architecture and urban planning. If you have a project, we will be delighted to bring it to life, helping architects, engineers, and other project stakeholders gain a clearer and more accurate understanding of the results once the construction is completed. Moreover, this allows citizens to understand the upcoming changes and improvements, creating a positive anticipation around the project.