Barcelona and Madrid have long been measured against one another, but architect Edu Saz believes the Catalan capital has a clear edge when it comes to urban aesthetics.
In a recent reflection, Saz praised Barcelona’s cohesive streetscape, noting that façades are better preserved, free from clutter such as excessive air conditioning units or makeshift enclosures. ‘Every time I go to Barcelona, something surprises me. It’s not just the architectural quality, but how respected the façades are’, he observed.
Saz, a Madrid native, contrasted this with his home city, where even in affluent neighbourhoods façades often appear neglected. He pointed to Barcelona’s transformative ‘Barcelona Ponte Guapa’ campaign launched in 1985 under then-mayor Pasqual Maragall. The initiative revitalised façades, courtyards, rooftops and public buildings, giving the city a consistent visual identity that still endures.
He highlighted how this attention to urban coherence has far-reaching effects, boosting quality of life, attracting tourism and revaluing heritage. Studies, he said, show that visual harmony in a city can influence both well-being and the perception of safety among residents.
By contrast, Madrid has never launched an equivalent city-wide beautification programme. ‘Maybe it’s because we never had Olympic Games’, Saz mused, underscoring how Barcelona’s preparation for the 1992 Olympics spurred investment in urban renewal.
For him, the lesson is clear: good urbanism sets the rules that make cities liveable, and Barcelona’s care for its appearance has made it internationally admired.
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