Barcelona's Superblocks

Barcelona’s government has recently made the decision to slowly implement a new urban plan that would reduce the overwhelming flow of vehicles in residential areas which would transform half the city’s streets into mixed-use public spaces, (superblocks) where residents can have space for recreational activities such as walking or biking. Superblocks are neighbourhoods where traffic is restricted to major roads. These superblocks open areas for pedestrians, cyclists, and shops. The aim is to diminish pollution from transport vehicles, and improve the health of citizens by giving them exercise space, and relieving them of noise pollution around their homes.

Currently, there are five superblocks being implemented, and three more are to be planned subsequently. However, rapid change will cause certain short term challenges. The first challenge is traffic. Banning vehicles from certain roads will clog remaining roads. City officials are aware of the short term concerns and recognise that trafficked streets will also need systems of improvement in order for this plan to be effective. One of the main solutions is the fact that this plan facilitates and encourages other methods of transport: walking, biking, taking the bus and other public transits. This will in many ways reduce overall vehicle traffic. One main form of encouragement are the “green corridors” full of plants and trees that make it desirable for pedestrians to walk. Biking will also be encouraged through the infrastructures and systems of biking lanes around the superblocks. The second challenge is gentrification. Superblock roads will increase the value of that area; improving housing, attracting new businesses, and therefore forcing long term residents out of their houses due to a rise in rent prices. Policies such as rent controls may need to be put in place to ensure that residents’ rent does not spike.

Arguably, the economical benefits outweigh the challenges. Barcelona will become a walkable city, ensuring that all citizens have access to outdoor space, a green environment, and an overall healthy lifestyle. Access to the previously mentioned luxuries have been proven to increase life expectancy, reduce the burden of disease, and improve the general economic well being of citizens.

Bibliography: Roberts, D. (2019, April 10). Barcelona is pushing out cars and putting in superblocks. here are the 2 biggest challenges ahead. Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2019/4/10/18273895/traffic-barcelona-supe rblocks-gentrification Roberts, D. (2019, April 09). Barcelona's radical plan to take back streets from cars. Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2019/4/9/18300797/barcelona-spain-superb locks-urban-plan Anupam Nanda Professor of Urban Economics and Real Estate. (2020, December 04). Superblocks: Barcelona's car-free zones could extend lives and boost mental health. Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://theconversation.com/superblocks-barcelonas-car-free-zones-could-extend-lives-and-bo ost-mental-health-123295