Architectural Digest España conducted an interview with the architect of the new Bernabéu, Markus Pfisterer. The German assessed the management of the works and the project, but also talked about what remains to be remodeled at Real Madrid's temple, uncovering one of the reasons why the stadium has not been yet officially reopened.

"The construction of Bernabéu is like an airport"

Markus Pfisterer is the architect leading, together with Martin Glass, the project of the new Santiago Bernabéu on behalf of GMP. The German studio’s architect was interviewed by Architectural Digest España to evaluate the effects of the works.

Pfisterer explains how the project took shape. The starting point was the aesthetics of the stadium, which was not the most appropriate for the club's idea, he explains the origin of the design. There was an urgent need to design a new façade and incorporate a retractable roof on the venue. Another of the innovations has been the hypogeum, details the expert.

Asked about the state of the works, he says that FCC is working on remodeling the bathrooms and service areas, but also on the lighting system, which will allow us to have a fantastic show in the future. Pfisterer compares the construction of the Bernabéu to an airport: you can inaugurate it at any time, but the break-in and consolidation takes time.

© Real Madrid

Bernabéu's inauguration will have to wait

Works now focus on the south end, which is the last in terms of remodeling, and in which much finishing work remains, such as painting walls, covering pipes and cables, putting the toilets to work, etc. On the exterior there remains to humanize the promenade around the stadium and on the façade the shield and lettering have not yet been installed.

However, this might not be all, as Real Madrid is assessing the possibility of soundproofing the Bernabéu to to unblock the concerts, something that if carried out would significantly extend the duration of the works.