The Tibidabo Funicular received this international award in the category of Sustainability, Green Architectural Design and Sustainable Infrastructures
With more than 806,000 users and 19.5% growth in 2023, the Firefly has become the main means of collective transport to reach the Tibidabo Scenic Area, the highest point in the Park, which will reopen to the public on 3 February
Barcelona’s Cuca de Llum, known as the Firefly in English, was a winner at the prestigious International Design Awards in the category of Sustainability, Green Architectural Design and Sustainable Infrastructures. The award recognises ‘visionary projects’ and highlights both the unique design of the Tibidabo Funicular and its proposal for environmentally responsible collective transport.
Since its launch in 2021, the Cuca de Llum has become an international benchmark for sustainable design and mobility, winning prestigious international awards such as this International Design Award, the Architizer A+ Award, the DAN Paris Design Award and the LOOP Design Award.
The Cuca de Llum took on the challenge of replacing Tibidabo Amusement Park’s historic funicular railway, which had been in operation since 1901, with the aim of lowering emissions and encouraging the use of collective transport to reach the mountain peak.
The project commissioned the Barcelona-based firm MIAS Arquitectes to design a new funicular that would combine unique design with the use of technological solutions to create a benchmark for sustainable mobility. Its creator, the architect Josep Miàs, defines the Cuca de Llum as ‘an example of mobile architecture with design elements in every part’, such as the glass ceilings and transparent benches that afford scenic views throughout the ride.
Main means of reaching Tibidabo
In addition to its international awards, the Cuca de Llum has grown to become the main collective means of reaching the peak of Tibidabo. In 2023, more than 806,000 users rode the funicular, 19.5% more than in 2022.
The railway is an essential part of Tibidabo’s sustainability strategy and the main means of transport to reach the Scenic Area, the highest point in the Park, which will reopen to the public on 3 February and can be visited every weekend. The entire Tibidabo Amusement Park will also reopen for the new season on 3 March.
