Evaluating Superblocks

Does the project deliver on its commitments?

The implementation of the Superblock model in Barcelona has been a topic of fervent debate, drawing contrasting responses from various stakeholders. While the Poblenou Superblock project has garnered significant media attention globally, it has not been without its share of criticisms. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted discourse surrounding the Barcelona Superblock model, drawing insights from various researchers and their studies.

Critiques and Concerns

Over the last decade, several researchers have highlighted the absence of a comprehensive evaluation of the potential and measurable effects of implementing the Superblock design on a city-wide scale. They emphasise the uncertainty surrounding how well the model adapts to different street networks, usage patterns, and urban structures. A key argument revolves around the lack of specific data to substantiate the proposed urban interventions within the Superblock. This has sparked a discussion around the approach to urban intervention, raising questions about the principles employed when selecting one street over another for Superblock implementation.

A study conducted by Zografos in the wake of the initial Superblock implementation in September 2016 highlighted several concerns. Critics raised questions about technical and organizational shortcomings, as well as a perceived lack of citizen involvement during the planning and design phases [1]. These early critiques shed light on the challenges of introducing such a transformative urban model.

Salvador Rueda, a prominent advocate for Superblocks, has argued that their implementation would significantly reduce air pollution levels, leading to improved environmental conditions [2]. Nevertheless, lingering questions persist about the analytical approach required to drive Superblock adoption and how to rigorously estimate its impacts.

Frago and Graziano’s study [3] adds another layer to the discussion by focusing on the selection criteria for Superblock implementation. They underline the Plataforma d’Afectats per la Superilla del Poblenou’s (PASP9) perspective, emphasizing the discrepancy between stated objectives and outcomes in the chosen Poblenou area.

PASP9 represents a diverse range of community members, including residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in the Poblenou area. Their mission is to advocate for the rights and concerns of those directly affected by the Superblock initiative in Poblenou. The platform was formed in response to the city’s decision to implement the Superblock model in this specific neighbourhood.

The platform’s primary stance revolves around the careful consideration of the Superblock’s objectives and outcomes, particularly in the context of Poblenou. They have raised valid concerns about the suitability of Poblenou as a test case for this urban planning experiment. These concerns primarily stem from the fact that Poblenou may not share the same levels of pollution and congestion as other parts of Barcelona, such as the Gracia district.

These findings raise valid concerns about the model’s applicability to different urban contexts, prompting the importance of employing data-driven criteria to accurately estimate the impact of such interventions into the urban context of Barcelona.

Addressing Data Gaps

In fact, several research studies underscore the importance of utilizing data to simulate and predict traffic patterns within Superblocks. However, it is essential to acknowledge that restricting traffic in one area can have ripple effects throughout the city’s street network, creating complexities in implementation [3].

Despite this, there is a notable scarcity of research that effectively compares digital simulations with real-world data, which is vital for validating conclusions.

Eggimann, in his article [4], highlights the limited attention Superblocks have received in research, despite their potential benefits. He also calls for systematic quantification of the potential for Superblock designs in different cities, emphasizing the need for context-specific analysis.

Podjapolskis [5] points out concerns regarding the rigour of data used to justify Superblock applications. Additionally, he highlights a contradiction in reducing vehicle speeds while potentially increasing emissions. These issues underscore the need for more comprehensive and accurate data in Superblock planning and evaluation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of the Barcelona Superblock model has sparked intense debates and discussions among researchers, policymakers, and the public. While some herald its potential benefits, others raise valid concerns about its adaptability and the lack of concrete data to support proposed interventions.

The ongoing discourse emphasizes the need for data-driven criteria and methodologies to accurately estimate the impact of Superblock interventions. As we move forward, it is clear that data will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban planning and the success of Superblocks in Barcelona and beyond. In the next chapters, we will delve deeper into how data can serve as a cornerstone for this new urban development paradigm.

REFERENCES

1. Zografos, Christos, Kai A. Klause, James J. T. Connolly, and Isabelle Anguelovski. 2020. ‘The Everyday Politics of Urban Transformational Adaptation: Struggles for Authority and the Barcelona Superblock Project’. Cities 99 (April): 102613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2020.102613.
2. Rueda, Salvador. 2011. ‘Las supermanzanas: reinventando el espacio público, reinventando la ciudad’. In Ciudades (im)propias: la tensión entre lo global y lo local, 2011, ISBN 978–84–694–2906–8, págs. 123–134, 123–34. Centro de Investigación Arte y Entorno. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=3829343.
3. Frago, Lluis, and Teresa Graziano. 2021. ‘Public Space and the Green City: Conflictual Narratives of the Superblock Programme in Poblenou, Barcelona’. Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal, September. https://hstalks.com/article/6618/public-space-and-the-green-city-conflictual-narrat/.
4. Eggimann, Sven. 2022. ‘The Potential of Implementing Superblocks for Multifunctional Street Use in Cities’. Nature Sustainability 5 (5): 406–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-022-00855-2.
5. Podjapolskis, Robert. 2017. ‘Supermanzanas bajo sospecha: el proyecto de Superislas para Ensanche frente a su alternativa’. Seminario Internacional de Investigación en Urbanismo, no. 9. https://doi.org/10.5821/siiu.6388.