Barcelona, the vibrant city known for its stunning architecture and rich culture, is home to many unique features. One such feature that sets Barcelona apart from other cities is its distinctive urban planning concept called “super blocks.” These super blocks are more than just city blocks; they are a testament to Barcelona’s commitment to creating a sustainable and livable urban environment.
The Concept of Super Blocks
Super blocks, or “superilles” in Catalan, were introduced as part of Barcelona’s urban mobility plan in 2016. The idea behind super blocks is to reclaim street space from cars and give it back to the people. By reorganizing the way streets are used, Barcelona aims to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles, reducing pollution and improving quality of life.
Each super block consists of several regular city blocks grouped together. The goal is to create a cohesive neighborhood within each super block, where residents can find everything they need within walking distance. This promotes a sense of community and reduces the need for long commutes or car trips.
How Many Super Blocks Are There?
Currently, there are nine fully implemented super blocks in Barcelona. These super blocks cover various areas of the city and serve as pilot projects for future expansion. The nine super blocks are:
- Poblenou Super Block: Located in the Poblenou neighborhood, this was the first fully implemented super block in Barcelona. It covers an area of approximately 9 hectares.
- Horta Super Block: Situated in the Horta-Guinardó district, this super block covers around 3 hectares and showcases green spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets.
- Sant Antoni Super Block: Found in the Eixample district, this super block covers an area of about 4 hectares. It features wide sidewalks, greenery, and improved accessibility.
- Gracia Super Block: Located in the Gràcia neighborhood, this super block spans approximately 8 hectares. It includes pedestrian zones, bike lanes, and public spaces for social activities.
- Penedès Super Block: Situated in the Les Corts district, this super block covers around 5 hectares.
It focuses on creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Bon Pastor Super Block: Found in the Sant Andreu district, this super block spans about 2 hectares. It aims to enhance community life through improved walkability and public spaces.
- Fort Pienc Super Block: Located in the Eixample district, this super block covers an area of approximately 3 hectares. It emphasizes sustainable mobility and green infrastructure.
- Nou Barris Super Block: Situated in the Nou Barris district, this super block spans around 6 hectares. It focuses on promoting active transportation and enhancing public spaces.
- La Bordeta Super Block: Found in the Sants-Montjuïc district, this super block covers an area of about 4 hectares. It includes new cycling infrastructure and improved connectivity.
The Future of Super Blocks
The implementation of these nine super blocks is just the beginning for Barcelona’s urban transformation. The city has plans to expand the concept to create more super blocks across different neighborhoods. The goal is to have a network of interconnected super blocks that will reshape how people move around the city.
The success of Barcelona’s super blocks has garnered international attention and inspired other cities around the world to adopt similar urban planning strategies. By prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists and reducing car dependency, super blocks offer a sustainable and people-centric approach to urban living.
In conclusion, Barcelona’s super blocks are a testament to the city’s commitment to creating a more livable and sustainable urban environment. With their unique design and focus on pedestrian-friendly streets, these super blocks are transforming the way people experience Barcelona’s neighborhoods. As the concept expands, more residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of this innovative urban planning approach.