VIRTUAL London.

Abstract

This research examines the evolution of ground-floor activities in three straight streets in Barcelona that have undergone transformations in their public space layout. Based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of open databases of ground-floor commercial activities available for 2016, 2019 and 2022, Enric Granados and Consell de Cent and Sants-Creu Coberta streets are observed. The first was the subject of a pioneering project in the grid to widen pavements to create more space for pedestrians, which over the years has led to a concentration of restaurants and terraces occupying the public space. The second was the subject of tactical measures to reduce traffic after the closure and has been redesigned recently according to the Supereixos [Superaxes] strategy, at the same time as a new Uses Plan for the Eixample paralysed activity licences for establishments related to the food retail and hospitality. Finally, the third street analysed is surrounded by a residential area and close to the tourist centre of Plaça d’Espanya and is temporarily closed to traffic at weekends, so that it is the scene of two overlapping dynamics of intensity of use. The research is based on mapping patterns of concentration and trends of change in activities in the three axes, in order to establish arguments about the relationship between urban form, public space layout and activity. This paper is the result of a collaborative work commissioned by the Retail Area of the Barcelona City Council.