Source: StadiumDB.com; Author: Jakub Ducki
The renovation of the Santiago Bernabéu is one of the most ambitious projects in Real Madrid's history. Josep Ribas, CEO of the Barcelona-based architecture firm Ribas & Ribas, spoke about the background to the project and when fans could attend concerts at the stadium again.
A competition that changed the skyline of Madrid
We were a team of three, including my architectural firm Ribas & Ribas, and we won. It was an international competition and we proposed a facade surrounding the building with stainless steel panels that would provide ventilation, allow outdoor games to be broadcast and meet fire safety requirements.
Josep Ribas concedes.
The new facade designed by his team has completely changed the appearance of Santiago Bernabéu. The characteristic stainless steel wave structure gives the stadium a modern, almost futuristic look and makes it one of Madrid's most recognizable landmarks. But not everyone is impressed – critics often joke that the shiny exterior looks more like… Can of sardinesa comparison that has become one of the most common comments about the stadium's new design.
“The noise problem will be solved within two months”
Although the modernization work has been completed, some technical problems are still being resolved. The work has already been completed and I am very satisfied, apart from the parking issue, which is a matter for the city. Only minor details remain – mapping and noise, which are currently being sorted out,
explained the architect.
The main concern of the club and the residents of the Chamartín district the noise level remains the same at major events. After performances by artists such as B. concerts were temporarily suspended Taylor Swift and Duki. However, Ribas reassures music fans: The noise problem should be solved in about two months. I can't explain the details because we don't care about it, but the best acoustic company in the world is working on it.
This suggests that Real Madrid could be planning for the return of major events by the end of the year or early 2026.
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Facade as a privacy screen? Tests for Christmas
Real Madrid fans have been waiting for a long time for the moment when the stadium facade will be visible spectacular video mappingsfirst teased during the project's presentation. Some of the most memorable images include Zinedine Zidane's volley – and even Kylian Mbappé. Ribas announced that this part of the project is almost finished: The mapping will be tested at Christmas.
The club plans to regularly use the facade for various types of projections – from the Real Madrid crest and club colors to player visualizations, match previews and sponsor presentations. In this way, the stadium becomes a giant screen visible from many parts of the city.
“Bernabéu must be operational 365 days a year”
The Bernabéu's modernization concept goes far beyond football. This stadium is prepared – and will continue to be prepared – to host events of all kinds. Football is the basis, but so far there are only about 50 games a year The stadium must operate 365 days a year. Otherwise a venue like this wouldn't be profitable. Real Madrid understood this from the start,
emphasized the architect.
“It is a retractable structure that can be opened and closed depending on the type of event. Actually, it is more suitable for basketball or tennis matches than football, although it remains closed at the moment. The world has changed, and so has architecture. This is pure engineering,” Ribas added, pointing to the technical sophistication of the stadium.
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Architect who supports… Barcelona
This is a surprising twist The man behind Real Madrid's stadium revamp is actually a fan of the club's biggest rival – FC Barcelona. Ribas admits that this fact caused more jokes than tension. The topic of being a Barça fan was more of a running joke; We talked a lot about football, but it didn't interfere with our work or the fun we had. It is a project that is conquering the world.
He also stated that he had little direct contact with them The president of Real Madrid. We almost never spoke to them Florentinowho remained in the background throughout the entire project. But he has very competent employees with whom we have had many discussions,
Ribas said, referring, among others, to Paco Panadero, Real Madrid's infrastructure director.
VIP box and life in the stadium
One of the symbols of the new Bernabéu is its VIP box – a meeting place for the elite from business and politics. Ribas describes it as an elegant, practical and functional space where guests can be received in the best possible way. It can accommodate 300 people.
Even during high-voltage games like the Clásico, the atmosphere remains friendly. It's a pleasant football atmosphere, even at derbies. Even if political discussions can take place there, football is always the focus,
added the architect.
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