Barcelona Tibidabo New Funicular – “Cuca De Llum”
Mias Architects
Short description
MIAS Architects, in collaboration with Leitner, has designed the new funicular for the Tibidabo Amusement Park—a technological, sustainable, and cutting-edge train with minimal environmental impact.
The new train features a completely redesigned high-end design, resembling a glow-worm, with larger glass surfaces on both sides and the roof. These enhancements not only improve operational efficiency and passenger comfort compared to the previous model but also incorporate enhanced safety systems and facilitate easier maintenance. The utilization of advanced technology ensures minimal environmental impact and CO2 emissions.
The funicular now operates at a speed of 10 meters per second, resulting in a journey time of approximately 3 minutes. The capacity has also been increased. The funicular's design has been completely renewed and personalized, significantly enhancing the experience for riders and allowing them to interact with the attraction. Consequently, the new funicular, named 'Cuca de Llum' (Glow-worm), has become an additional flagship attraction within the park. The primary structure of the train consists of ultralight aluminium profiles, enhancing energy efficiency, speed, and vibration reduction. Coloured fiberglass covers the structure, further protected by a specially designed reflective coloured particle, ensuring durability and reflectivity.
Achieving a transparent structure for the funicular involved using curved glass at both ends of the train. Unlike typical curved glass, the funicular employs two curved sheets with non- constant variable radii, separated by dehydrated air chambers, to meet high solar efficiency requirements. A separation profile and a desiccant product prevent condensation between the glass sheets. The interior of the funicular has been completely reconfigured to provide a more spacious and open environment with increased interior visual permeability. Passengers can now enjoy panoramic views through large windows surrounding the train, including the roof and cockpit areas. Interactive screens and electronic tablets have been installed, offering passengers an interactive and educational experience. They can learn about the funicular's operation, its history, and that of the park in general. Additionally, they can watch interactive videos and play games on the tablets, providing a comprehensive educational experience centred around the Tibidabo Funicular Amusement Park and the Collserola Natural Park.
The implementation of the Cuca de Llum's construction technology positions the funicular as the most efficient means of transportation to reach the Tibidabo Amusement Park and the summit of Collserola Mountain. It also serves as a way to promote the use of public transport in the Barcelona area.