Europa Conference & Exhibition Centre of Vitoria-Gasteiz
A BENCHMARK FOR CONFERENCE CENTRES
The Palacio Europa of Vitoria-Gasteiz was inaugurated in 1989 as a Civic and Congress Centre, with the objective of serving the entire city. The policy of decentralization of the city has seen 13 new civic centres – such as the Salburua Civic Centre, another project of IDOM – being built in the different neighbourhoods of the city. This resulted in a reduced demand for the social, cultural and sports uses of the Palacio Europa, making it advisable to concentrate on congress use alone.
The approach of the City Council was ambitious and innovative, opting to convert the building into a point of reference, both as a congress centre and for the design as a highly energy-efficient facility.
Over a period of 4 years, the City Council counted on the support of IDOM, for the restructuring of the uses of the facility, and to achieve the environmental objectives set out. IDOM developed several of the Schematic and Execution projects, as well as construction management during the implementation of the works.
Finally, in May 2016, the Palacio opened its door to the public, offering a venue with capacity for up to 5,000 conference participants. Events will have the use of diverse multipurpose rooms, as well as the new María de Maeztu Conference Hall, with capacity for 800 attendees. This hall will be the flagship of the facility.
