IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section B

Abstract

Livability in cities is shaped by a complex interplay of factors—including transport, housing, culture, affordability, and inclusivity. This interdisciplinary study compares Barcelona and New Orleans (NOLA) to examine how tourism-driven economic growth impacts the livability of historic neighborhoods and the preservation of cultural identity. By exploring the phenomenon of “touristification,” the research investigates how increased tourism influences dimensions such as housing affordability, social cohesion, mobility, and community participation. In Barcelona, neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter and El Raval have experienced significant property value increases and a surge in tourist-oriented businesses. These changes have led to the displacement of long-term residents, reduced housing affordability, and the erosion of local culture, impacting social and political equity and challenging sustainability and walkability. Similarly, in New Orleans, historic districts such as Tremé, the Garden District, and the French Quarter face rising property costs due to short-term rentals and tourist-focused developments. This disrupts longstanding community dynamics and threatens inclusivity, access to affordable housing, and cultural preservation—key components of a livable city. Both cities exemplify the concept of “place commodification,” where historic neighborhoods are repurposed to meet tourist demands, weakening “place attachment” and diminishing social cohesion. Iconic transit systems—Barcelona’s Tranvía Azul and New Orleans’ St. Charles streetcar line—have become major tourist attractions, affecting mobility and accessibility for residents. The study underscores the delicate balance cities must achieve between economic vitality and the preservation of local identity to ensure livability and resilience, offering insights valuable to other cities facing similar challenges.