Designing healthier cities to improve life quality: unveiling challenges and outcomes in two Spanish cases

• Federico Camerin ^[1] ; Davide Longato ^[2]
  1. [1] Universidad de Valladolid

     Universidad de Valladolid

     Valladolid, España

     
  2. [2] Università Iuav di Venezia

     Università Iuav di Venezia

     Venezia, Italia

     
• Localización: Journal of urban design, ISSN 1357-4809, ISSN-e 1469-9664, Nº. 30, 1, 2025, págs. 1-30
• Idioma: inglés
• Enlaces
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• Resumen

  • This study assesses the early outcomes of the Poblenou Superblock in Barcelona and a nature-based solutions project in Valladolid. By critically analysing available data and collecting residents’ perceptions, the analysis depicts to what extent the project’s interventions enhanced environmental quality and residents’ well-being. Results highlight the role of the traffic space recovery strategy in Barcelona as a driver for larger benefits, allowing the creation of socially attractive public spaces along with greenery. This led to more appreciated interventions, possibly boosted by the post-pandemic context and city branding strategy. A potential downside concerns the likely gentrification processes triggered by these improvements.