Barcelona has been at the forefront of urban design innovation for years, and one of its most famous projects is the creation of superblocks. Superblocks are large blocks of the city that have been closed off to cars and transformed into pedestrian-friendly spaces. The idea behind them is simple: by reducing traffic, noise, and pollution, they can help create more livable communities.
But where exactly are the superblocks in Barcelona? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these urban oases and explore what makes them so special.
What Are Superblocks?
Before we get into where the superblocks are located in Barcelona, let’s take a moment to define what they are. A superblock is a group of city blocks that have been combined into a single unit.
Within this unit, cars are only allowed on certain streets around the perimeter. The rest of the space is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
Superblocks typically feature wide sidewalks, green spaces, and community areas like playgrounds or cafes. They’re designed to promote walking and cycling while discouraging driving. By reducing traffic within these areas, they also help create a quieter and less polluted environment.
Where Are the Superblocks in Barcelona?
Barcelona has implemented multiple superblocks throughout the city over the past few years. While they’re not yet ubiquitous across all neighborhoods, there are several locations where you can experience these car-free zones for yourself.
Some of the most notable superblocks in Barcelona include:
Poblenou
Located in the northeast corner of Barcelona’s Eixample district, Poblenou was one of the first neighborhoods to be transformed into a superblock. The area covers nine city blocks and features wide sidewalks, plenty of green space, and designated bike lanes.
Gracia
Gracia is another neighborhood that has embraced superblocks. This bohemian area is located north of the city center and features several car-free zones. One of the most popular is Placa del Sol, a lively square that’s lined with cafes and restaurants.
Les Corts
Les Corts is a residential area that’s located near Barcelona’s main soccer stadium, Camp Nou. Like Poblenou and Gracia, it features several superblocks that have been designed to promote pedestrian and bike traffic.
The Benefits of Superblocks
So why are superblocks such a big deal? For starters, they help reduce traffic congestion within urban areas. By encouraging walking and cycling, they also promote physical activity and can help improve public health.
But perhaps most importantly, superblocks help create more livable communities. By reducing noise and pollution levels, they create a more pleasant environment for residents to live in. They also encourage social interaction by providing public spaces where people can gather and connect with one another.
Conclusion
Barcelona’s superblocks are a shining example of how urban design can create more livable cities. By prioritizing pedestrians over cars, these car-free zones help reduce traffic congestion while creating healthier and more social communities.
While there are only a handful of superblocks in Barcelona at the moment, the city has plans to implement more in the coming years. So if you’re planning a trip to Barcelona soon, be sure to check out these car-free zones for yourself!