Globally good ideas
Superblocks
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Year Implemented: First pilot in 2016, ongoing rollout
Lead Agency: Barcelona City Council & Urban Ecology Agency
Overview
Barcelona’s “Superblocks” are an innovative urban planning strategy aimed at reclaiming street space from cars and giving it back to people. Each Superblock consists of a 3×3 grid of city blocks where through-traffic is restricted and most streets are transformed into shared, low-speed, green public space. The model originated to tackle air pollution, noise, and a lack of accessible public space in the dense Eixample district.
What Changed?
- Previous Conditions: Car-dominated streets with limited green space, high noise and pollution levels
- New Design: Internal streets within each Superblock are pedestrian-priority zones with reduced vehicle access
- Street Features Added:
- Play areas and community spaces in former intersections
- Planters, shade structures, and new trees
- Benches, tables, and flexible space for activities
- 10 km/h speed limit, no through-traffic allowed
Community Involvement
The project involved public workshops, urban experiments, and feedback cycles with local residents and businesses. Early Superblocks faced resistance, but later iterations integrated more co-design and communication, leading to greater acceptance and enthusiasm.
“We are not changing the streets, we are changing the way we live.” – Salvador Rueda, architect of the Superblock model
Outcomes
- Air Pollution: Up to 33% reduction in NO2 levels inside Superblocks
- Noise: Reduced by 5 decibels on average
- Public Space: Over 70% of street space reclaimed for people in some areas
- Health Impact: Estimated 700 premature deaths prevented per year if citywide
Benefits
- Massive increase in public space, greenery, and walkability
- Reduced car use and emissions
- More inclusive, kid- and elder-friendly environments
- Globally influential model for tactical urbanism and climate adaptation
Photos
💡 Inspired by this transformation? Drop a pin on our map to show where a similar change could happen in the Newtown area.
Find out more
- How ‘Superblocks’ Can Create People-Centered Cities
- Superblocks are transforming Barcelona. They might work in Australian cities too
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