Table 1 Description of the interventions conducted in the 3 neighbourhoods (Palència et al., 2020)
From: Environmental and health effects of the Barcelona superblocks
The Poblenou superblock |
The Poblenou superblock is a typical amalgamation of 3 × 3 blocks following the characteristics of the Eixample district in Barcelona. However, the superblock is located in an area that was originally industrial but is now home to many young families. The aim of the superblock is to calm the area of 3 × 3 blocks by reducing motorized traffic and prioritizing pedestrians and bicycles. The superblock consists of the creation of public spaces in some of the former roads and their intersections, including recreational areas (with picnic tables, literary tours, and space for future markets), play areas (with several areas devoted to children’s activities) and sports areas (with ping-pong tables, basketball hoops, and an athletics track). This superblock was completed in September 2016 |
The Sant Antoni superblock |
Sant Antoni is situated in the center of Barcelona and has a high concentration of older residents. The first phase of the implementation of the superblock program in the Sant Antoni neighborhood (which is evaluated here) was completed in May 2018 with the urbanization of the surroundings of the Sant Antoni market. This phase included interventions on two streets (in total four sections of streets forming an intersection) and the creation of a new public square measuring 1800 m2 at their intersection. In total, 5000 m2 of public space is reserved for pedestrians, with sitting areas for new uses and a greater presence of greenery, including trees and bushes |
The Horta superblock |
This neighborhood has less traffic and noise than the other areas. Work on the superblock program in Horta started in October 2018 and mainly included the following interventions: 1) Traffic calming of the main entry street to the neighborhood, with the introduction of a level surface (no slope in the pavement) and a speed limit of 10 km/h to discourage the entry of vehicles to the neighborhood; 2) two streets with numerous public and private facilities, where there was previously almost no pavement, underwent various changes, including the creation of a level surface and removal of parking spaces; and 3) a tactical intervention (low-budget, temporary, and reversible) with removal of parking areas and the creation of sitting areas. The work was completed in December 2019 |