Learning the definitions and theoretical frameworks of resilience is a fundamental part of our Master in Urban Resilience for Sustainability Transitions, but do you know what’s equally important? Observing concrete actions taken by cities! Combining these two aspects is exactly what we had the opportunity to do with Dr. Ana Terra Amorim-Maia from the BC3 Basque Centre for Climate Change, who came to teach us from October 22nd to 25th.
Together we visited some Climate Shelters in Barcelona, places – both indoor and outdoor, public and private – where people can seek thermal comfort from extreme temperatures. Dr. Ana Terra Amorim-Maia has researched these shelters using ‘intersectionality’ – i.e. the interconnection of social categories that apply to a given individual or group, creating a unique system of disadvantage and discrimination – as a lens for her analysis. Since the Climate Shelters initiative is primarily designed for vulnerable people who can’t find comfort at home, it is indeed fundamental that attention is paid to inclusivity. We also explored neighborhoods transformed by Superblocks and Green Axes.
These site visits gave us the chance to compare theory with practice to assess the successes and challenges of the observed Barcelona’s climate resilience measures.
Climate Shelters (refugios climáticos) in El Gòtic
Our tour started from the Museu Frederic Marès, in the heart of El Gòtic neighborhood. The museum’s patio features citrus trees and other greenery that already provide some nice relief from the heat.
Near the museum entrance, the presence of a climate shelter is flagged by the common sign developed and used to mark the refugis climàtics around Barcelona. The designated space is a room on the ground floor (if you thought you could visit the museum for free, I’m sorry, you will be disappointed!). People going to the climate shelter can use the bathroom and are given reusable cups to fill if asking for water. The room has informative panels about the museum’s history on the walls, a table and some chairs. However, the size of the room was one of the first limitations we noticed, as it wouldn’t fit the fifteen of us. Moreover, the space is not children-friendly: since it’s inside a museum, people are required to be quiet. Thus, families with children could feel unwelcome in this space.
Furthermore, one common characteristic of Barcelona’s Climate Shelters is the fact that they maintain their original uses and functions, which can lead to a lack of assistance from the staff, who may be busy with their professional duties. Additionally, the shelters adhere to the operating hours of the facility where they are hosted. Thus, although this is not the case with Museu Frederic Marès, these places are often closed during the ‘siesta’ hours and te month of August, which are the hottest times.
Our second stop was the Escola Cervantes, a school also located in El Gòtic and designated as a climate shelter. The school has undergone a series of climate-friendly ‘green, blue, and grey’ renovations funded by the European Commission’s Urban Innovative Action program. They had, for instance, the ceiling heightened by 40cm to create a chimney effect, reducing the indoor temperature by up to 8°C. In the courtyard, some trees, benches, a drinking fountain and a fountain sprayer were added. In addition, a ‘wall’ of ivy was grown – also useful for sheltering the interior spaces of the school from the sun – and some curtains were installed to shade part of the court where the children can play. Notably, the school opens its courtyard to the public after school hours.
Superblocks and Green Axes: transforming Barcelona’s streets
Our tour then continued exploring urban transformations implemented by the city of Barcelona to make the city greener and more “people friendly”: Superblocks (superilles) and Green Axes (ejes verdes).
Superblocks are areas where vehicular traffic is limited or entirely removed, creating pedestrian-friendly zones with green spaces and benches. The first superblock was introduced in the Poblenou district in 2016, and since then, the project has progressed, broadening communities’ participation in designing the new public spaces and transforming entire city areas. To guarantee connectivity, the main roads connecting Superblocks were turned into green, vibrant, walkable corridors, namely the Green Axes. Both Superblocks and Green Axes became public gathering areas that prioritize community interaction over car use. We walked through Superblocks and Green Axes from Eixample to Sant Antoni, enjoying the beautiful and livable areas. Children were playing on green, pedestrianised streets and intersections. The Superilla model is indeed an example of children-friendly urbanism that prioritizes safety and well-being.
Despite all these positive impacts, there are a couple of challenges that Barcelona City Council needs to keep in mind as it moves forward with this project. First, these transformations have so far taken place in the richest areas of the city. Therefore, it is crucial, while extending this project, to include lower-income neighborhoods as well. At the same time, there is a high risk of green gentrification, i.e. the “implementation of an environmental planning agenda related to public green spaces that leads to the displacement or exclusion of the most economically vulnerable human population” (Dooling, 2009).
There’s no resilience without social equity
Visiting the Climate Shelters, Superblocks and Green Axes in Barcelona gave us the opportunity to observe the achievements and challenges of these adapting and mitigating solutions. Indeed, they have great potential in addressing climate risks and improving life quality. However, they also revealed areas for improvement, particularly in terms of accessibility, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.
The visit illustrated the complexities of designing urban spaces that are both environmentally friendly and socially just. The key to success lies in continuously refining these measures, addressing limitations, and ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind. As students of urban resilience, these lessons are crucial as we work toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Chiara Marchionni, Master Student
International Master in Urban Resilience for Sustainability Transitions (UIC)