The Eixample superblocks project has won a European prize for sustainable urban design. The European Commission announced Barcelona’s green axes and plazas as one of 22 winners of the 2025 New European Bauhaus Awards. According to the jury, the project demonstrates how streets can be reclaimed for people and greenery instead of cars.
The awards recognise projects that combine sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics. Now in their fifth year, they highlight initiatives where culture and technology, innovation and design come together to enrich communities. The prizes cover four categories across two areas: established projects (the ‘New European Bauhaus Champions’) and promising initiatives from younger candidates (the ‘Emerging Stars’).
Barcelona’s winning project falls into the Champions category. The Eixample green axes were pushed forward during Ada Colau’s time as mayor. Meanwhile, twenty small municipalities also received a new distinction called the New European Bauhaus Boost for Small Municipalities, recognising their role in shaping a more sustainable future.
The ceremony took place in Brussels on 30 September, with several European Commission officials attending. Executive Vice President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto, Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, and Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jørgensen presented the awards. A special prize also went to projects addressing the urgent need for affordable and sustainable housing.
For Barcelona residents who’ve watched the superblocks transform the Eixample, the recognition highlights how the city’s urban planning innovations resonate beyond Spain. The project continues to influence discussions about reclaiming urban space from vehicles and creating more liveable neighbourhoods.
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