What Are Superblocks in Barcelona?

By Alice Nichols

Superblocks are a revolutionary urban design concept that has been implemented in Barcelona, Spain. These superblocks are large areas of the city that are designed to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over cars. They are made up of nine city blocks that have been closed off to through traffic and transformed into public spaces.

What Are Superblocks?

Superblocks are part of a larger urban design movement called “supermanzanas” which means “super blocks” in Spanish. They were first introduced in the early 2000s as a response to the growing need for sustainable and pedestrian-friendly cities.

The idea behind superblocks is to create large areas of the city that prioritize walking, cycling, and public transportation over cars. Superblocks achieve this by reducing traffic congestion and creating more public spaces where people can gather, exercise, and socialize.

How Do They Work?

Each superblock is made up of nine city blocks that have been closed off to through traffic. Only residents, delivery drivers, and emergency vehicles are allowed to enter. The streets within the superblock are designed for slow-speed traffic with a maximum speed limit of 10km/h.

The streets within each superblock are transformed into public spaces where people can walk, bike, or sit and relax. Trees, benches, and other street furniture are added to make these spaces more attractive and functional.

The Benefits of Superblocks

Superblocks offer many benefits for cities and their residents. By prioritizing pedestrians over cars, they can help reduce air pollution and noise levels in urban areas. This makes them more livable for people who suffer from respiratory problems or other health issues related to air pollution.

Superblocks also promote physical activity by providing more opportunities for walking and cycling. This can help improve public health by reducing rates of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.

Finally, superblocks can create more vibrant and inclusive communities by providing more public spaces where people can gather and socialize. This can help reduce social isolation and promote a sense of community among residents.

Conclusion

Superblocks are a revolutionary urban design concept that has been implemented in Barcelona, Spain. They are large areas of the city that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over cars.

Superblocks offer many benefits for cities and their residents, including reduced air pollution, improved public health, and more vibrant communities. As more cities around the world look for ways to create sustainable and livable urban environments, superblocks are likely to become an increasingly popular solution.