Ayesa Engineering to oversee construction of the new JRC headquarters for the European Commission in Seville as project manager

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together a delegation of institutional authorities, led by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

The new building will stand as a benchmark in architecture, technology, and sustainability, contributing to the decarbonization of the Cartuja Science and Technology Park (Sevilla TechPark).

Ayesa, a global provider of technology and engineering services, has participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new headquarters of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Seville. The launch of this ambitious international project, which Ayesa will lead as project manager, brought together a high-level institutional delegation at the Sevilla TechPark, headed by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

Also present at the symbolic event were the Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva; the Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall; the First Deputy Prime Minister of Spain, María Jesús Montero; the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant; the President of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno; the Mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz; the Director-General of the JRC, Bernard Magenhann; and the Secretary of State for the European Union, Fernando Sampedro, among other dignitaries.

The new facility will be built on the site of the former Pavilion of Discoveries and is expected to be completed within two years. With a total built area of 10,963 square meters, it will host more than 400 scientists, engineers, and economists from across Europe, working in key strategic areas for the EU such as artificial intelligence, circular economy, climate change, industrial competitiveness, and digital transformation.

Ayesa will lead the construction of the new EU headquarters as project manager. The European Commission has entrusted Ayesa with ensuring the project is executed to the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and efficiency. A multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and specialists from the Andalusian firm has been involved since 2022, guiding the initiative from the feasibility stage through to final delivery and implementation.

This major contract strengthens the company’s track record in large-scale international projects and deepens its relationship with the European Commission, with which it has previously collaborated on the design of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

Embodying the values of the New European Bauhaus

The design of the new facility was created by a consortium of companies led by the renowned Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), aligning with the core principles of the New European Bauhaus: sustainability, inclusion, creativity, science, art, and beauty. One of the most distinctive features will be a large dome formed by photovoltaic pergolas that will provide shade for a public square, landscaped areas, and the building itself, while simultaneously generating clean energy.

Priority will also be given to the use of locally sourced materials such as limestone, ceramics, and wood. The building will offer flexible, open, and accessible spaces for public use. It will be the first ‘carbon-positive’ building among European institutions—absorbing more CO₂ than it emits over the course of its construction and operational life. This initiative is part of Seville’s broader strategy to decarbonize the Sevilla TechPark and position itself as a global benchmark for sustainability.

According to Antonio Tirado, project coordinator at Ayesa, “The new JRC building in Seville will be an international benchmark in architecture, technology, and sustainability. We are proud to support the European Commission in a project that strengthens Seville’s role as a European innovation hub and brings to life the values of the New European Bauhaus”.

_{* Header photo © Sevilla TechPark (sevillatechpark.es).}