superblocks
Pedestrianized urban grids
Superblocks are urban planning units that consolidate several city blocks into a single pedestrian-priority zone, restricting through traffic to the perimeter.
The concept originated in Barcelona, where superblocks (superilles in Catalan) reclaim interior streets for green space, play areas, and community gathering: The superblock transformed our neighborhood—kids play where cars used to speed through.
The model is spreading to other cities seeking to reduce car dependence and noise pollution.
Shaping cities physically
- pedestrian zonesVehicle-free public walkways
- traffic calmingMeasures slowing vehicle speeds
- public spaceArea open to everyone
- car-freeProhibiting motor vehicles
streetscape · mixed-use · connectivity · walkability · zoning · land use · placemaking · density
Collective plant life
- air qualityPollution level measurement
- noise reductionDecreasing auditory interference
- emissionsSubstances released into air
- carbon footprintTotal greenhouse gases produced
biodiversity · trees · gardens · green corridors · ecosystem · sustainability · climate adaptation · shade
Residential area nearby
- residentsPeople living somewhere
- gatheringsOccasions of congregating
- social interactionCommunication between people
- localOf this area
cohesion · inclusivity · engagement · participation · cooperative · solidarity · support network · diversity
Freedom from harm
- quietudeState of calm stillness
- recreationRefreshment through leisure
- playgroundsOutdoor spaces for children
- amenitiesDesirable features of place
comfort · spaciousness · relaxation · healthiness · convenience · cleanliness · benches · seating
urban design
Shaping cities physically
- pedestrian zonesVehicle-free public walkways
- traffic calmingMeasures slowing vehicle speeds
- public spaceArea open to everyone
car-free · streetscape · mixed-use · connectivity · walkability · zoning · land use · placemaking · density · transit-oriented
greenery
Collective plant life
- air qualityPollution level measurement
- noise reductionDecreasing auditory interference
- emissionsSubstances released into air
carbon footprint · biodiversity · trees · gardens · green corridors · ecosystem · sustainability · climate adaptation · shade · vegetation
neighborhood
Residential area nearby
- residentsPeople living somewhere
- gatheringsOccasions of congregating
- social interactionCommunication between people
local · cohesion · inclusivity · engagement · participation · cooperative · solidarity · support network · diversity · unity
safety
Freedom from harm
- quietudeState of calm stillness
- recreationRefreshment through leisure
- playgroundsOutdoor spaces for children
amenities · comfort · spaciousness · relaxation · healthiness · convenience · cleanliness · benches · seating · shade structures
- urban planningcity planning, zoning map, master plans, zones, zoning reform
- urbanismneighborhood, subway, sidewalk, urban planning, traffic
- Eixamplemodernist buildings, Sagrada Familia
- street gridstreets, avenues, boulevards, intersections, grid pattern
- planned communitiesplanned towns, subdivision, gated community, new towns, master-planned community
- urban mobilitypublic transit, mass transit, bike lanes, sidewalks, light rail