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Writer's pictureVicente Ventura - RELOC

BARCELONA: MAIN ISSUES TO SOLVE

Barcelona has had its highs and lows and its successes and failures, but it has always viewed city planning as an engine of change, thus demonstrating its ability to adapt to historical challenges with innovative solutions.



The so-called Cerdà Plan of 1859 was an ambitious design whose main objective was to modernize Barcelona in order to meet the challenges of population growth and industrialization. It introduced the innovative concept of the “block” system, an urban design that prioritizes efficiency, accessibility, and quality of life.



One of Cerdà's most outstanding achievements was the creation of the Eixample district, now well-known for its wide avenues, green spaces, and similar-sized buildings. The design made it posible to accommodate urban growth and encourage mobility, and it has become a model for city planners around the world.



Later, Oriol Bohigas and others sought to improve living conditions with urban renewal projects designed to regenerate parts of the Ciutat Vella and even revitalize entire neighbourhoods.



Under Bohigas, the city also opened up to the sea, a major transformation planned to coincide with the 1992 Olympic Games, enabling the city to modernize its infrastructure, build new sports facilities and introduce improvements in public transport. The renovation not only improved the quality of life for residents, but also endowed Barcelona with an international reputation.



Despite the success of the Cerdà Plan, Barcelona now faces a number of challenges. Today’s concerns include urban sprawl, dense living conditions, lack of green spaces, and pressure on housing. The city is therefore currently reconfiguring its urban design in order to address major social and environmental challenges and cope with the climate emergency.



The main issues that the city needs to solve to include:



-Creating a pleasant environment in which to live and breathe. Increasing the number of trees within cities and encouraging sustainable mobility through the creation of green routes and infrastructures. Improving air quality and people’s health.



-Maintaining the identity of the city by planning developments that preserve architectural heritage and repurpose available urban spaces.


Implementing strategies in order to maximize soil permeability and promote sustainable urban drainage systems that allow rainwater retention for watering plants and the soil. The design of public spaces must ensure sustainable management of the water cycle, which is essential for the future of the city.



-Maximizing green spaces and shade in public spaces to creatie cooler and healthier urban environments and counteract global warming. Designing allotments in public spaces to enable local citizens to grow produce. 



-Optimizing energy resources and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. 



-Creating an inclusive city that ensures the health and wellbeing of all its inhabitants regardless of gender, origin, age, or functional diversity.



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