Cuca de Llum

THE GLOW-WORM

CUCADELLUM

FUNICULAR TIBIDABO BARCELONA

MIAS ARCHITECTS & LEITNER

This book exhaustively describes the project of the new funicular CUCADELLUM – Catalan word for ‘glow-worm’ –, that belongs to the world of the Tibidabo Amusement Park in Barcelona, a world of fantasy, and to the technical precision of the latest mechanical and technological advances, which places it as the last and most innovative funicular ever built.

The funicular project has been exhibited at the Centre Pompidou in Paris and at the Design Museum in Barcelona in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The original wire model of the cockpit is part of the Permanent Collection of the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Special thanks to the Director of the Tibidabo Amusement Park, Mrs. Rosa Ortiz, for her complicity and enthusiasm. And to the Leitner and Teleféricos y Nieve team, Mr. Martin Leitner, Mr. Eduard Bretcha and Mr. Christian Seltsam, for their enormous professional competence and personal treatment.

Josep Miàs Director & Founder of MIAS ARCHITECTS

THE FIRST ROPEWAY IN CATALONIA

The Funicular of the Tibidabo is part of the urban transport network of the metropolitan area of Barcelona, and joins ‘Doctor Andreu Square’ in the north of the city with the Tibidabo Amusement Park. Its journey has a length of 1130 meters and the lower station is connected to the Blue Tramline, at the bottom of the city.

This funicular is the oldest one in Catalonia. It was completed in just over a year and was inaugurated on October 29th, 1901. It overcomes a difference in altitude of 275 meters with a maximum slope of 25.7% with a single track, except at its intermediate part where the tracks are doubled at the passing loop.

Ropeways in Barcelona: in red the funicular of Tibidabo: in light red the other two funiculars’ routes of the city; in light blue the cable cars.

Right: Historical images of the Tibidabo Amusement Park and the first version of the funicular.

THE NEW CUCADELLUM, THE GLOW-WORM

We had no doubt that the rich history of the funicular linking Barcelona with Collserola natural park required a cutting-edge design. Currently, the Cucadellum is one of the most sustainable and technologically sophisticated funiculars in the world.

With the remodelling, the funicular has been renamed La Cucadellum (the glow-worm) and has been integrated into the park as if it were just another attraction. In this sense, the design of the funicular has been completely renovated and personalized. All this has substantially improved the user experience, who is also able to interact with the attraction.

Furthermore, the interior of the funicular has been lightened, providing a larger available surface area and becoming a moving open platform that offers greater interior visual permeability. In this way, the attraction allows passengers to enjoy the panoramic view even more during the ride through the large windows.

The panoramic view is one of the ways to enjoy the new attraction for the duration of the journey, but not the only one. Several interactive screens and electronic tablets have been installed to allow passengers to interact with the attraction (since it has no driver), thus adding an educational and entertaining function.

Josep Miàs Director & Founder of MIAS ARCHITECTS

3D render prototype and sketches of the Cucadellum Funicular, 2017.

The project was the winning proposal of an international competition by BSM Barcelona Serveis Municipals, Barcelona City Council, which operates the Tibidabo Amusement Park. The research culminated in a state-of-the-art technological hybrid merging innovative manufacturing techniques and design features.

Exterior cameras

Video cameras on the ceiling to monitor the passengers when moving on and off the platforms. Forward- facing cameras monitor and record the road ahead.

Ultra-light Structure

The main structure of the train is made from ultra-light aluminium profiles. Only the main frame, which hides the machinery, is made of steel. The use of aluminium enhances the energy efficiency and speed of the train, while also reducing the impact from vibrations.

Health & Safety

All components of the train meet health and safety requirements.

Organic shape

Both ends are made using curved extruded aluminium. Fibreglass and aluminium components were developed for the external cladding, along with elements to camouflage the mechanics beneath.

LED Lighting System

The LED Lighting system is embedded into the train’s structure to further promote the funicular as a high-performance vehicle.

Door System

The doors are an automated system which allows for quick and easy access when loading and unloading from the train.

The funicular was designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, and every decision and modification was checked and cost evaluated. This was key to developing a sustainable, efficient and optimised design. Each part of the vehicle was analysed to design the interfaces and evaluate their geometry and viability. This process allowed the team to carefully study the design and

produce moulds using 3D models. It was used to obtain the necessary calculations in order to verify the structure, resistance and overall cost of all the elements. This process was essential in assessing the weight of the vehicle, in order to achieve the required speed and maximum train occupancy. All the materials and parts were later tested in order to fulfil the specifications, regulations and laws.

The structure is covered with coloured fibreglass, which is further enhanced and protected by a reflective colour particle that was specifically designed for the project. Extensive research on colour compositions unveiled new ingredients that increase durability in a combination of exterior reflectivity and interior matte tone.

Air-conditioning System (HVAC)

The air-conditioning units are placed within the ceiling of the structure in order to hide them from sight to maintain a smooth and continuous design.

Audio-visual Pads

Audio-visual pads are placed at key locations, targeting families and children in particular, in order to enrich their journey with games and educational content.

Space and Accesibility

There is enough space to comfortably transport 252 passengers. Smooth access from the platform onto the funicular allows for easy and comfortable access for wheelchairs and bicycles.

Floor to ceiling glass

To allow for openness and panoramic views.

Sustainable Colour

CABLE FASTENING DRUM

Drum's Axis

Anchor pin - tensioning cylinder

Tension take up beam - machined

Drum's Axis

machined

Guiding pin - spring

swicht

Front View

Hydraulic cylinder

Rope clamp - short

Rope drum

Rope clamp - long

Guiding pin - spring

Limit swicht

Hydraulic cylinder

Rope clamp - short

Hoop guard

Washer spring

Load cell

Rope drum

Rope clamp - long

Washer spring

Load cell

Sealing compound

Fixing element

Sealing compound

Fixing element

Anchor pin - tensioning cylinder

Drum's Axis

Slack rope detection device's detail

Anchor pin - tensioning cylinder

Tension take up beam -

Tension take up beam - machined

Guiding pin - spring

Limit swicht

Hoop guard

Hoop guard

Slack rope detection device's detail

Drum's Axis

Slack rope detection device´s detail Plan View

Hydraulic cylinder

Anchor pin - tensioning cylinder

Tension take up beam - machined

Guiding pin - spring

Limit swicht

Rope clamp - short

Rope drum

Rope clamp - long

Load

Washer

Hoop guard

Washer spring

Sealing compound

Fixing element

VEHICLE BRAKE

A

A

A

B B B-B ( 1:10 )

A-A ( 1:10 ) B B B-B ( 1:10 )

A

A

Support roller

Pin - support roller

Spring column

A-A ( 1:10 ) B B B-B ( 1:10 )

Cylinder - brake

Pin - support roller

Block Cylinder - brake

Spring column

Spring column Pin Brake shoe

Machined Jaw Block Cylinder - brake

Pin - support roller

Support roller Pin Brake shoe

Änderungen Modification REV. 1:10

IF 252 TIBIDABO

ES Break vehicle A3

XX/05/2022

BENENNUNG DATUM DATE ZEICHNUNG SCALE

ANLAGENNAME NAME OF INSTALLATION FORMAT FORMAT

DRAWING

Limit sensor THIS DRAWING AND ITS DESIGN ARE THE PROPERTY OF LEITNER DUPLICATIONS WITHOUT PERMISSION ARE PROHIBITED.

IF 252 TIBIDABO

Jesus Rivera Jesus Rivera

/

Brake shoe

ES Break vehicle A3

XX/05/2022

LAND COUNTRY

Machined Jaw Block

/ GEZEICHNET DESIGNED BY KONTR. VON CHECKED BY ZEICHNUNG MASSTAB

Jesus Rivera Jesus Rivera

DRAWING

Limit sensor A

Pin

Limit sensor THIS DRAWING AND ITS DESIGN ARE THE PROPERTY OF LEITNER DUPLICATIONS WITHOUT PERMISSION ARE PROHIBITED.

Änderungen - Modification DATUM DATE NAME NAME KONTR. CHECKED REV. 1:10

Support roller DESCRIPTION BENENNUNG

Änderungen - Modification REV. Break vehicle

ANLAGENNAME NAME OF INSTALLATION

Spring column THIS DRAWING AND ITS DESIGN ARE THE

Exploded Axonometric

The Cucadellum was exhibited in 2022 at ‘The Making of Making (Architecture)’ exhibition, DHUB Design Museum of Barcelona. White lines drawings on transparent glass by 7,50x3,20m.

THE TEAM LEITNER

Martin Leitner, Member of the Board

Günter Tschinkel, Electric Department Director

Marco Rettucci, Electrical Project Manager Engineer

Lorenzo Colombo, Electrical Technician

Walter Sonnerer, Electrical Engineer

Christian Oberrauch, Electrical Engineer

Andreas Kostner, Electrical Service Technician

Max Eheim, Electrical Mechanical Service Technician

Nicolas Ruelle, Sigma Product Service Manager

Stefano Charrere, Mechanical Engineering Director

Angelo Galimberti, Project Manager

Roberto Morra, Mechanical Engineer

Davide Vercellone, Mechanical Engineer

Davide Burzoni, Building Site Director

Stefano Fontana, Assembly Coordinator Engineer

Silvio Donadel, Special Operations Site Coordinator

Daniele Valt, Mechanical Technician

Davide Cascini, Mechanical Technician

Dario Tabacchi, Mechanical Technician

Serafino Troi, Mechanical Technician

Luca Doriguzzi, Mechanical Technician

Maximilian Davi, Project Design Technician

Giuliano Rimessi, Logistics Leitner

CADITEL

Marc Fargas, Assembly Site Technician

POSITIVE WORKS

Gaizka Solagaistua, Assembly Site Technician

ITHEL

David Locatelli, Wlan, Cctv Specialist

TELEFERICOS Y NIEVE

Eduard Bretcha, General Manager

Christian Seltsam, Project Manager Engineer

Jesus Rivera, Service Engineer

Silvia Valero, Civil Engineer

Yuri Roig, Building Site Manager

Pablo Bercianos, Assembly Site Manager

Iñigo Echebarria, Assembly Site Technician

Alejandro Viejo, Assembly Site Technician

Asier Barrios, Assembly Site Technician

Roger Nuñez, Electrical Technician

Maria José Menino, Staff Logistics

SIGMA CABINS

Victor Chene, Project Manager

Yannick Morand, Managing Director

Phillipe Desflammes, Technical Director

Thierry Triolier, Design Manager Engineer

Yann Cointat, Industrial Designer

Cristoph Gelas-dore, Construction Manager

Richard Vial, Assembly Site Technician

VAHLE

Daniel Martinez, Comercial Technician

MANUSA

Manel Cañadas, Comercial Technician

SISAG

Michele Rogantini, Communication Specialist

TIBIDABO AMUSEMENT PARK

Rosa Ortiz, General Director PATSA

Marta Labata, General Director BSM

Joan Manel Esquius, Technical Manager PATSA

Roger Toboso, Technical Manager BSM

MIAS ARCHITECTS

Josep Miàs, Director

Marc Subirana, Project Manager

Mauro Soro, Associate and Production Manager

Marina Povedano, Communication Manager

Olga Anglada, Communication Coordinator

Marta Cases, Project Manager

Maria Chiara Zilliani, Project Manager

Daniela Salaris, Models Manager

Ilaena Napier, Graphic Design

Aditya Mandlik, Visual Artist

Arnau Miàs, Multimedia Engineer

Manuel Giró, Senior Architect

Mireia Simó, Junior Architect

Ivan Mavuli, Junior Architect

Anna Rosell, Junior Architect

Angelo Desole, Junior Architect

Francesco Sanna, Junior Architect

CUCADELLUM, THE GLOW-WORM

Funicular Tibidabo Barcelona

EDITED BY Actar Publishers

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND EDITING

Mauro Soro, Ilaena Napier, Daniela Salaris, Marina Povedano

TEXTS

Josep Miàs

Rosa Ortiz

Martin Leitner

Eduard Bretcha

Christian Seltsam

PHOTOGRAPHIES

Project photographies by Adrià Goula

Construction photographies by DelRioBani

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© edition: Actar Publishers

© designs and drawings: MIAS Architects

© texts: their authors

© photographs: their authors

ISBN: 978-1-63840-076-9

PCN: Library of Congress Control Number: 2022946980

Printed in Europe 2022