Reclaiming Public Space: Barcelona's Superblocks

🚶Barcelona's Superblocks plan aims to minimize the presence of cars in city centers, reclaiming space for pedestrians.

🌍The plan was developed in response to serious air pollution problems in Barcelona, contributing to 3,500 premature deaths annually.

📚Superblocks involve closing off interior city blocks to through traffic, leading to increased pedestrian space and reduced noise pollution.

🌱The plan has shown a significant reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions and particle pollution, improving air quality.

💼Contrary to common concerns, the implementation of Superblocks has not negatively impacted business activity, instead resulting in increased economic activity.

How does the Superblocks plan work?

—The Superblocks plan involves closing off the interior of nine square city blocks to through traffic and limiting the speed limit to 10 kilometers per hour. Curbside parking is replaced by underground parking, freeing up street space for markets and events.

What are the benefits of the Superblocks plan?

—The Superblocks plan leads to increased pedestrian space, reduced noise pollution, improved air quality, and a boost in economic activity.

Has the Superblocks plan been successful?

—The Superblocks plan has been successful in cities like Vitoria-Gasteiz, where pedestrian space increased, noise levels dropped, and there was a significant reduction in emissions and pollution.

Could the Superblocks plan work in American cities?

—While American cities face some challenges in implementing the Superblocks plan, such as zoning policies and minimums on parking availability, the concept can be adapted and implemented to create more pedestrian-friendly and sustainable urban environments.

How can Superblocks benefit cities and their residents?

—Superblocks benefit cities and their residents by prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, creating safer and more enjoyable streetscapes, reducing pollution, and promoting economic activity.

00:01Typical American city streets dedicate most of the space to cars, leaving little room for pedestrians and cyclists.

01:21Barcelona developed the Superblocks plan in response to air pollution problems, aiming to reduce traffic and make the city more pedestrian-friendly.

01:35Superblocks involve closing off interior city blocks to through traffic, forcing vehicles to drive around the perimeter.

02:00Within the Superblocks, the speed limit is kept low and curbside parking is replaced by underground parking to free up street space for markets and events.

02:29Vitoria-Gasteiz, a city northwest of Barcelona, has implemented Superblocks since 2008, resulting in increased pedestrian space and reduced pollution.

03:08The Superblocks plan can be adapted and implemented in American cities, despite challenges like zoning policies and minimum parking requirements.

03:20The Barcelona plan demonstrates that prioritizing pedestrian-friendly spaces over cars does not hinder economic activity, but rather enhances it.

04:44The concept of Superblocks aims to create car-free spaces throughout entire cities, making it a right for every resident regardless of their location.