A Landscape Perspective from Barcelona

Barcelona’s Superblocks program represents a transformative vision for urban design, focused on reclaiming streets for people, fostering green spaces, and creating vibrant public areas that prioritize pedestrians over cars. Central to this vision is the Girona Street Project within the Eixample district, where the City Council aims to turn this street into a dynamic green corridor, serving as a model for the district’s ongoing sustainable transformation. The goal is to reduce noise and air pollution, promote local commerce, and cultivate a social ecosystem within a livable, accessible environment.

Girona Street’s redesign prioritizes people by limiting vehicle access, elevating pedestrian paths, and integrating greenery. This approach enhances accessibility and walkability, creating spaces where residents and visitors can move freely, linger and interact. With extensive planting and tree cover, Girona Street will provide a cool, shaded environment, mitigating the heat island effect and contributing to the city’s ecological goals. Local businesses will benefit from increased foot traffic, while designated loading zones ensure smooth operation for essential services.

The Girona Street Project draws inspiration from community feedback and innovative design proposals. “Caminar des del centre” envisions a pedestrian-focused street with open spaces, while “Giraverd” transforms intersections into small parks.

Another proposal, “De SÒL a SOL,” brings flexible green spaces adaptable to community needs, while “Galeries de vida” introduces a street-as-ecosystem concept that promotes biodiversity and social interaction. Together, these designs prioritize ecological functions and social spaces, inviting residents to connect with each other and their environment. This participatory design process reinforces community ties, making Girona Street a true reflection of local aspirations. As part of Barcelona’s wider green hub model, the Girona Street Project sets a powerful example of 21st-century urban resilience. By transforming public space into green, accessible, people-centered environments, the project embodies a vision of sustainable urban living, making Girona Street a vibrant and essential part of Barcelona’s future.

Picture: Marina Cervera Alonso de Medina