the SUPERBLOX-STRATEGY
in Barcelona
It is no coincidence that Barcelona has been named World Capital of Architecture 2026. Since the 1992 Olympic Games, the city has worked strategically with urban development along the harbour, as well as the development of mixed urban districts and park landscapes with a high degree of biodiversity. Much of everyday life is lived outdoors, and Barcelona has therefore become a frontrunner in recreational urban spaces most recently through the SuperBLOX strategy, where 21 traffic junctions have already been transformed into recreational areas.
Since urban planner Ildefons Cerdà established the central city’s grid structure in the late 19th century, Barcelona has continued to pursue a visionary approach to urban planning. Today, the focus is on directing cars around the city via ring roads and expanding green areas.
POSSIBLE PROGRAM
Green urban development and new mobility plans through the SuperBLOX strategy
Barcelona has set a concrete goal: 1 m² of green urban nature per inhabitant by 2030 equivalent to 160 hectares of new green areas.
This is an ambition that goes far beyond attractive public squares:
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It is about climate adaptation and biodiversity.
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It is about creating urban spaces where people can meet. Research shows that even informal social interaction in large cities can improve public health and reduce stress.
The plan has been to develop as many as 503 new recreational urban areas by:
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Removing through traffic
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Prioritising green infrastructure and microclimates
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Activating urban spaces for play, recreation and community
World Capital of Architecture 2026
The housing shortage and energy crisis have shaped the development projects initiated by the municipality.
Investment is also being directed towards underprioritised urban districts such as Nou Barris, Sants-Montjuïc and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi through various urban development projects.
You can choose between the following themes for example 2–3 themes as part of a programme:
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Housing and urban renewal
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Mobility and SuperBLOX
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Sustainability and climate strategies
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Innovation in urban transformation
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Cultural heritage and adaptation
New housing typologies: affordable housing in the central city
Barcelona has not turned a blind eye to housing shortages and social challenges. For decades, various left-wing politicians have worked to create more affordable housing for the city’s growing population. The city has also worked strategically to address the gentrification of urban districts.
Local architectural studios such as Lacol and Peris+Toral work with, for example:
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Timber construction and hybrid structures
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Collective housing models and flexible floor plans
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Architectural approaches that strengthen social cohesion
INTERESTED IN A PROGRAM
Practical information
A study programme in Barcelona is designed around your professional interests and needs.
A typical programme may include:
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Project visits with professional presentations and dialogue with local experts, such as architectural studios, developers, landscape architects, energy consultants or representatives from resident groups
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In-depth communication of context and trends, delivered by local urban development guides with both historical and contemporary insight
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Activities in the city, such as cycling tours, walking tours and shared meals, creating space for reflection and networking
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Support with logistics, such as hotel and flights, through a travel agency we collaborate with
Barcelona can also be combined with two days in Girona, northern Spain, with a focus on projects by the Pritzker Prize-winning studio RCR.