Located on the northern periphery of Madrid, the new headquarters of BBVA, aka Ciudad BBVA, offers around 114,000 sqm (over 1 million sq ft) of modern and flexible commercial space. The development is comprised of seven low-rise buildings, hosting most of the offices and common service rooms, and of a 19-story tower, the so called La Vela, where the institutional and representative areas are located. The main feature of the high-rise is represented by its peculiar, ovoid shape. The complex can boast various environmentally friendly elements; for instance it features extensive use of full height curtain wall glass façades which guarantee good daylight to the interiors and reduce consumption of artificial lighting. Furthermore the façades include innovative shading elements providing solar protection to the interiors and, at the same time, reducing demand for air conditioning. In 2016 the project has been awarded LEED Gold^® certification.