Barcelona, the vibrant and cosmopolitan city located on the northeastern coast of Spain, is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and bustling street life. One of the most fascinating aspects of Barcelona’s urban landscape is its unique city planning strategy, which includes a concept known as “superblocks.”
What are Superblocks?
Superblocks are large-scale urban blocks that aim to prioritize pedestrians and create more livable spaces within the city. In Barcelona, these superblocks are designed to reduce car traffic and reclaim the streets for people. Each superblock consists of a group of regular city blocks that are interconnected by closing off certain streets to through traffic.
Within these superblocks, pedestrians have priority over vehicles, allowing them to move freely and safely. This approach not only enhances mobility but also encourages social interactions and promotes a sense of community among residents.
How Many Superblocks in Barcelona?
Currently, there are nine fully implemented superblocks in Barcelona, with plans to expand this network in the future. These existing superblocks are spread across various neighborhoods in the city, each offering its unique charm and character.
- Poblenou: Located in the Sant Martí district, this superblock covers an area of approximately 9 hectares.
- Sant Antoni: Situated in the Eixample district, this superblock spans an area of around 9 hectares.
- Fort Pienc: Found in the Eixample district as well, this superblock occupies an area of about 4 hectares.
- Gràcia: Nestled within the Gràcia district, this superblock encompasses an area of approximately 8 hectares.
- Les Corts: Located in the Les Corts district, this superblock covers an area of around 8 hectares.
- Poble Sec: Situated in the Sants-Montjuïc district, this superblock spans an area of about 7 hectares.
- Sant Gervasi-Galvany: Found in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, this superblock occupies an area of approximately 6 hectares.
- El Raval: Nestled within the Ciutat Vella district, this superblock encompasses an area of around 13 hectares.
- Sants: Located in the Sants-Montjuïc district, this superblock covers an area of approximately 8 hectares.
These superblocks are designed to create a more pleasant and sustainable urban environment by reducing noise and air pollution while promoting active modes of transportation such as walking and cycling.
The Benefits of Superblocks
The introduction of superblocks in Barcelona has brought about several benefits for both residents and visitors. Some key advantages include:
- Better Air Quality: By reducing car traffic and encouraging alternative modes of transportation, superblocks contribute to improving air quality within the city.
- Noise Reduction: With fewer cars on the streets, superblocks help reduce noise levels, creating a more peaceful living environment for residents.
- Promoting Physical Activity: Superblocks prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, making it easier for people to engage in physical activity and lead healthier lifestyles.
- Fostering Community Life: By reclaiming streets for people, superblocks encourage social interactions and community engagement, strengthening the sense of belonging among residents.
- Enhanced Safety: With reduced car traffic, superblocks create safer spaces for pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety.
In summary, Barcelona’s superblocks have revolutionized the city’s urban planning by prioritizing pedestrians and creating more livable spaces. With their numerous benefits and visually engaging design, these superblocks serve as a testament to Barcelona’s commitment to sustainable and people-centric urban development.