Table 3 The main findings by superblock and outcome. Barcelona, 2018–2020
From: Environmental and health effects of the Barcelona superblocks
Superblock | Information source | Outcome | Main results |
|---|---|---|---|
Horta | Survey | Mobility | 90% of men and 85% of women visited the superblock at least once a week More than 60% of men and women believed that walking comfort had increased and about 75% of men and 70% of women that accessibility for strollers had improved Inner streets: More than 50% used them for walks or shopping, but only 6% used them for physical activity |
Survey | Health and well-being | 55% of men and 45% of women believed that well-being in the intervention streets had increased 6% reported they used the intervention streets for physical activity | |
Sensors and NO2 passive samplers | Air pollution | -Streets in the intervention area: NO2 from passive collectors decreased by between 17 and 27% Black carbon decreased considerably (by one of the two measured points) -Streets in the affected control and control area: No overall significant changes observed | |
Walkability audit (MAPS) | Mobility | Improved microscale characteristics of the built environment influencing the walkability of the area and citizens’ physical activity, making this urban space more "activity-friendly" | |
Ethnographic guerrilla | Mobility | -Entrance street to the neighborhood: Still too many vehicles (which exceed the speed limit and were stationary on the old sidewalks) Pedestrians needed dodge these stopped vehicles and walk on the road No pedestrian crossing Vehicles still circulated as if they had the priority Pedestrians felt less safe and more stressed than before, especially if accompanied by a child -Inner streets: There was a perceived decrease in vehicles and their speed There was a perceived increase in space for pedestrians and improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility The enhanced aesthetics favored conversation and spending time on the street There was a perception that the intervention encouraged conversation and spending time on the street | |
Ethnographic guerrilla | Social support | - Inner streets: Enhanced aesthetics encouraged conversation and spending time on the street Walking in the Inner streets (superblocks) was enjoyed in a calmer and more pleasant way, with greater aesthetic appeal and opportunities for conversation and spending time on the street | |
Ethnographic guerrilla | Health & well-being | In the inner streets walking was enjoyed in a calmer and more pleasant way, with a greater aesthetic appeal and opportunities for conversation and spending time on the street | |
Sant Antoni | Audit of the use of spaces (SOPARC) | Space use | There was a wider range of uses: people passing through, sitting, shopping, walking, playing, or exercising Greater use as a space to hang out Use of the superblock remained above 900 people per hour Only 2% of women and 6% of men engaged in vigorous physical activity in the superblock In general, the superblock was perceived as a safe space, with more open areas and better lighting |
Ethnographic guerrilla | Air pollution | There was a perception that reducing cars also reduced noise and pollution | |
Ethnographic guerrilla | Space use | Few young people were observed and many older people The number of people using the superblock as a transit area to move from one place to another increased because it was perceived as a more pleasant route Despite the reduction in the number of cars, there was still too much traffic and motor vehicles exceeded the speed limit of 10 km/h | |
Ethnographic guerrilla | Mobility | Families with children believed that the superblock allowed ease of mobility, but also that it led to a false sense of safety since there were still too many cars | |
Ethnographic guerrilla | Social support | The superblock encouraged social engagement and there was less pollution and more space to be outdoors | |
Ethnographic guerrilla | Health and well-being | The reduction in traffic noise increased the feeling of calm and relaxation The space was considered more full of life, more like a "neighborhood", a quiet, safe and comfortable place to spend time People highlighted the decrease in pollution and the greater space to be outdoors and sunbathe | |
Air quality Mobile unit | Air pollution | NO2: 25% reduction in the superblock (a decrease of 14,6 µg/m3 in average) PM10: 17% reduction in the superblock (a decrease of 4,1 µg/m3 in average) | |
Poblenou | Focus groups | Air and noise pollution | Perception of a reduction in air pollution and especially in noise pollution Perception in some groups that pollution could have increased in the streets surrounding the superblock |
Focus groups | Space use | Groups making the greatest use of the superblock: • Families with children (especially women) in the children's play areas • Workers, for eating or at the end of the day Older adults did not use the superblock Young people believe that the superblock was not designed for them | |
Focus groups | Mobility | Overall, there was less traffic in the superblock, but more traffic in the surrounding streets Mobility was improved for cyclists, roller skaters, and others Cyclists using the superblock stated that they felt safe despite the lack of cycle lanes More people chose to walk since private vehicles were not allowed in the superblock Perception of a lack of safety among pedestrians due to the presence of moving vehicles Older adults believed there were negative effects on mobility and access to certain places due to changes in public transport There was a perception that traffic could have moved to the streets surrounding the superblock There was tension in the coexistence between pedestrians and vehicles, and a lack of clear signage | |
Focus groups | Social support | The superblock facilitated interaction among residents, fostering relationships and social networks Some women found the area to be deserted and perceived a certain lack of safety, while others perceived the opposite due to its being an open space | |
Focus groups | Health and Well-being | There was a perception of a more relaxed atmosphere and a decrease in feelings of stress Overall, there seemed to be an improvement in mental health Diet improved in working people (due to more spaces for eating their own meals) and ease of walking |