Barcelona, Spain: Assessing the health benefits of Superblocks
Superblocks are a leading urban design initiative aimed at reducing traffic, air and noise pollution.
Overview
Published: October 2021
In 2016, Barcelona turned heads when the city introduced its first Superilla, or ‘Superblock.’ The term refers to a local urban design initiative that seeks to redefine the public space of a city by placing people and communities at the heart of its design. To do this, spaces are reimagined primarily for pedestrians, followed by bicycles and public transport. The aim was to reduce pollution from vehicles, reduce noise pollution, and create more open green spaces for citizens to meet, talk, exercise and engage in activities together.
In September 2021, a report from the city’s Public Health Agency (ASPB), developed with support from the Partnership for Healthy Cities, showed that the superblock project paid off. The ‘Salut als Carrers’ project (Health in the Streets) evaluated the health and environmental benefits of three of the city’s Superblocks. ASPB conducted the assessment over the last three years, analyzing results from surveys with local residents in Sant Antoni, Poblenou and Horta to understand health benefits, changes in physical activity, and community use of the newly designated public spaces in three of the superblocks created by the city. Air quality assessments were also used to measure quantitative environmental benefits.
Read the full case study: Using urban design to improve urban health
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