The Barcelona Superblocks model is set for global export. Janet Sanz, a central figure in Barcelona’s recent urban transformation, will take the city’s flagship strategy to the world stage. According to a recent interview, Sanz will assume an advisory role with Metropolis. This international network of major cities will use her expertise to help other urban centres replicate Barcelona’s pedestrian-friendly approach. This initiative aligns with other municipal projects, such as the recent urban connectivity project in Ciutadella Park, which also improves public spaces.

This move marks a significant expansion of the influential Superilla (Superblock) programme. The programme reclaims street space from automobiles for community use and green infrastructure. Therefore, it is a key part of Barcelona’s urban renewal. Other large-scale projects include the major €45 million renovation of Las Ramblas.

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The Barcelona Superblocks Model: A New Role at Metropolis

Speaking to El País, Sanz confirmed her new role with Metropolis. This global network comprises cities with populations exceeding three million. The organisation operates within the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) framework. It focuses on metropolitan governance and sustainable urban development.

“I will work advising cities that want to do projects like the ‘superilles’,” Sanz stated. This signals a formal effort to export the technical and political knowledge from her tenure in Barcelona’s government.

Her role will guide local governments grappling with climate change and congestion. Consequently, she will offer a blueprint for implementing low-traffic neighbourhoods in complex urban environments.

Exporting the Barcelona Superblocks Model

The Barcelona Superblocks model has garnered intense international interest. The concept groups several city blocks together and restricts traffic to the perimeter. This frees interior streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and playgrounds.

While the policy faced opposition in Barcelona, urban planners worldwide laud it as a step towards decarbonisation. Cities from Berlin to Bogota have looked to the Catalan capital for inspiration. They seek to humanise dense urban spaces.

By joining Metropolis, Sanz will facilitate knowledge exchange on implementation challenges. For example, these include:

  • Navigating political opposition to traffic reduction.
  • Designing rapid, tactical urban interventions.
  • Managing freight and delivery logistics in pedestrianised zones.

This appointment reinforces Barcelona’s status as a living laboratory for sustainable urbanism. The lessons learned on the streets of Eixample and Poblenou will influence global megacities. Furthermore, these urban planning achievements complement public transport investments. For instance, the successful expansion of the city’s tram network creates a more integrated and sustainable city.

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