The city rediscovers its vertical landscape through the ‘Benidorm Skyscrapers’ project
The publication compiles images and data on 94 buildings over 80 meters tall and is complemented by a website and an interactive application
This afternoon, the El Torrejó Municipal Centre in Benidorm hosted the presentation of ‘Los Rascacielos de Benidorm’ (Benidorm’s Skyscrapers), a project spearheaded by graphic designer Fran Pérez that offers a fresh perspective on high-rise architecture and the evolution of the city’s skyline. The presentation was attended by civil engineer Sofía Escortell and the Councillor for Historical Heritage, Ana Pellicer, as well as other members of the Municipal Council.
Pellicer has highlighted the value of high-rise buildings as "part of Benidorm's contemporary heritage" and as one of the elements that "best visually define the city." The councillor noted that the project invites reflection on the reasons that led Benidorm to develop "this distinctive urban model and the influence it has had on the city's transformation."
She linked this reflection to two particularly significant milestones: Benidorm's 700th anniversary and the upcoming commemoration of the 70th anniversary of its General Urban Development Plan (PGOU). In this regard, she noted that initiatives like this help "better understand Benidorm's evolution and appreciate the legacy that various generations have contributed to the city."
Pellicer also emphasised the value of the initiative’s documentary dimension, which extends beyond a static publication. The website and app will allow for the addition of new content, keeping the project alive and tracking the evolution of a city that continues to change. She also commended Fran Pérez for maintaining a "curious eye" toward his city and for transforming that perspective into a project of documentation and public outreach.
A tour of Benidorm's great towers
The book, a key component of the project, spans 112 pages and features over 250 photographs. It reviews a total of 94 buildings exceeding 80 meters in height, paying special attention to the nearly 40 towers that surpass the 100-meter mark.
The publication goes beyond merely showcasing the buildings; it provides insights into how Benidorm’s urban landscape was shaped and how its vertical architecture has evolved. The work thus allows the towers to be viewed from a historical and documentary perspective, linking them to the city's urban development.
During the event, Fran Pérez explained that his interest in Benidorm’s skyscrapers dates back to his childhood—an interest that led to the creation of an initial guide to the city's towers in 2011. The project presented here represents an update and expansion of that original work.
Meanwhile, Sofía Escortell outlined the process behind constructing a tower, covering everything from the initial study and planning phases to aspects such as foundations, floor slabs, and the erection of the structure. She also highlighted the unique nature of Benidorm’s urban model, which is a subject of analysis within the academic fields of architecture and engineering.
Book, poster, and digital tools
The project is rounded out by a one-meter-long poster—designed as a comparative representation of the city's major towers—and two digital tools.
The website gathers content and resources related to the skyscrapers and allows users, among other things, to directly view live feeds from public cameras overlooking Benidorm.
The app (currently available only for Android) plots the towers on a map and enables users to view and sort information based on parameters such as height, number of floors, or year of construction. It also includes other points of interest related to the cityscape—such as street art, rooftop venues, and webcams—as well as a category dedicated to unbuilt projects or features that were once part of the city but have since disappeared.
About Fran Pérez
Fran Pérez (Benidorm, 1977) holds a degree in Geography and a degree in Design and Digital Creation. A graphic design professional, he also worked for the Benidorm City Council. In 2011, he published his first guide to the city's skyscrapers—a work he is now expanding and updating with this new project.
