Alicante is a city whose relationship with the sea is its reason for being. Territory of the ancient Roman Lvcentvm. The medieval city grew on the slope of Mount Benacantil, whose slope ends in the sea, the place where its port was built and whose successive extensions occupied a territory with its back to the city that the citizens now claim.

The Provincial Council of Alicante announces a Contest of Architectural Preliminary Projects that will serve as the basis for the construction of the Congress Center of the City of Alicante.

The city of Alicante, capital of the province and fifth in population in Spain, has a privileged climate and an exceptional location, magnificent infrastructures and extraordinary communications. With its airport, the fifth in number of passengers in Spain, and its high-speed rail connection with Madrid, it is a technological and tertiary hub in continuous development that also houses the European Union Intellectual Property Office, trademark registration and of Community designs.

The collaboration between the Provincial Council of Alicante, the City Council and the Port Authority, promotes the construction of this public facility on docks 7 and 9 of the port of Alicante, a plot of excellent characteristics, which will promote the rehabilitation of a wide port area, with the aim of converting these spaces previously linked to an industrial use related to the sea, to uses linked to the city of Alicante, its citizens and its visitors.

This Preliminary Design Contest for the Alicante City Congress Center aims to guarantee maximum participation, which is why it is open to all architects in the world without limitation of any kind, and prior registration is not necessary, only the presentation of proposals on time.

With the contest it is hoped to get the best preliminary project that, in addition to solving the functional needs, is an example that reflects the current concerns of architecture, especially sensitive to integration, sustainability and energy efficiency. And, why not, obtain an architectural reference that can become an iconic image of the city.