Barcelona Field Studies Centre

The Barcelona Urban Regeneration Model

  • International events are used to enhance prestige, attract private investment and to focus and motivate the city's workforce. Buildings and infrastructure constructed for the events are of very high quality and serve a double purpose: for short-term use during the event itself and as a means of regenerating a decaying area of the city in the long-term.

  • The use of low-paid immigrant labour and multiple sub-contracting in the construction industry.

  • The city is seen as the sum of its neighbourhoods, rather than comprising of distinct parts. This discourages a bit-meal approach to regeneration and instead emphasizes the building of communities.

  • Public intervention is linked to the demands of the local community.

  • A reduction in urban density of 20%.

  • The radical transformation of the perimeters of the worst affected areas. It is easier to begin the transformation process where the deterioration is not so significant.

  • Careful planning of public building locations to encourage regeneration and prevent duplication.

  • Buildings of heritage value are conserved for public use such as schools, libraries, offices, cultural centres, etc..

  • The introduction of mixed new land uses into an area, including service industries, office and retail, private and public housing.

  • The encouragement of innovative architecture and thinking.

  • Investment in transport infrastructure to improve accessibility. This increases opportunities for economic and social activity.

  • A deliberate policy of introducing a new social mix into deprived neighbourhoods.

  • The creation of new communal open spaces in strategic areas to encourage social mixing. The open spaces are created well before new building development commences.

  • A flexible rather than rigid approach to planning.

  • A policy of spreading new retail and service industries throughout the city, particularly in central areas to retain vibrant communities.

  • A block on new out-of-town shopping centre developments.

  • Compulsory purchase of buildings in very poor condition in order to renovate them using public funds.

  • Building renovations completed to a high standard, both interior and exterior.

  • Tax incentives and grants to refurbish properties.

  • Strong political and local leadership to drive the regeneration process.

  • Education, job training, health, crime and leisure initiatives to help tackle the social problems of illiteracy, poor health, and high unemployment.

  • Collaboration between the Leisure and Social Services Departments to tackle social exclusion amongst the disaffected young. Leisure amenities in schools are kept open until late into the evening.