The need for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments has never been more pressing. Among the most forward-thinking responses is the concept of the 15-minute city—an urban model that promotes proximity to essential services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.

While Copenhagen is widely recognized for its innovative approach to sustainability—from world-class cycling infrastructure to green urban planning—Barcelona has also been a pioneer in rethinking urban spaces. Its ambitious superilles (superblocks) project exemplifies the city’s innovative approach to sustainable living.

A Revolutionary Vision of Proximity

The 15-minute city is more than a solution to urban congestion and pollution. It addresses social issues such as loneliness and disconnection, often exacerbated by traditional urban planning. Large cities—places of digital connectivity but physical isolation—can benefit from this model, which reimagines neighborhoods as hubs of interaction and community. By reducing reliance on cars and creating spaces for pedestrians, the model also supports healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.

Barcelona, a city renowned for its urban planning legacy, has embraced this philosophy through the superilles. These superblocks cluster nine city blocks into pedestrian-first zones, dramatically reducing car access and transforming streets into shared spaces for people, greenery, and social interaction.

Barcelona’s Urban Legacy: From Cerdà to Rueda

Barcelona’s predisposition for urban innovation dates back to the 19th century. Visionary urban planner Ildefons Cerdà spearheaded the Eixample district, characterized by its modular grid layout. His design prioritized equality, with blocks ensuring equitable access to sunlight, air, and green spaces. This legacy laid the foundation for today’s superilles.

Building on Cerdà’s principles, Salvador Rueda’s superilles project seeks to reclaim public space from cars. Within these zones, vehicles are restricted to peripheral routes, freeing interior streets for pedestrians and cyclists. Green spaces, playgrounds, plazas, and bike lanes replace traffic, fostering community interaction and environmental benefits.

The Impact of Superblocks

As of 2024, Barcelona has completed multiple superilles, with 21 additional green streets and 21 squares planned to be delivered by 2030. These transformations aim to provide every resident with a green street or square within 200 meters of their homes, adding 33 hectares of pedestrian space and 6.6 hectares of urban greenery.

The benefits are substantial:

• Environmental Gains: Reduced air and noise pollution.
• Health Improvements: Increased walkability and active lifestyles.
• Community Building: Enhanced opportunities for social interaction.

However, implementing superilles is not without challenges. Traffic redistribution to surrounding areas, concerns about gentrification, and logistical issues for local businesses highlight the complexities of such a transformation. Nevertheless, the initiative continues to adapt, with a multidisciplinary group now guiding its rollout to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.

Barcelona as a Global Example

The superilles model has inspired cities worldwide, including Vienna, Bogotá, Berlin, and Los Angeles, to explore similar projects. By reclaiming streets for people and prioritizing environmental and social well-being, Barcelona demonstrates how bold urban planning can reshape cities for the better.

The evolution of Barcelona’s superilles is a reminder of how cities can innovate to meet contemporary challenges. By integrating green spaces, enhancing walkability, and fostering community interaction, this initiative lays a foundation for sustainable urban living. The lessons from Barcelona highlight the importance of designing cities that prioritize people over vehicles, paving the way for more equitable and resilient urban environments. Discover more about this transformative approach on the Ajuntament de Barcelona’s official Superilles page.

As urban areas worldwide grapple with similar challenges, the superilles offer a compelling example of what’s possible. Rather than a call to action, this is an invitation to observe, learn, and adapt: how can these ideas inspire new solutions in cities across the globe? For a cultural perspective on the impact of Superblocks, check out Elle Decor’s feature.