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Verd per a tothom Green interventions in El Raval, Barcelona for enhanced well-being and security Dara Teodora Nitu Advanced Studies in Design-Barcelona (MBDesign) Contemporary Design (CD)
Overview Page 01 Introduction 01 History & context 02 Theoretical framework 03 04 05 06 07 Case studies Design process Design proposal Conclusion
2 Vegetation Density (m / person) More than 20 10-20 Less than 10 Page 02 Barcelona is in the top 10 most densest cities in Europe It is topographically constrained between the Mediterranean Sea and the Collserola hills Only 6.6 m of green space / person Ciutat Vella: 5.89 m Only 20% of Barcelona’s population can access a green space of 500 m within 5 minutes of their home (Castrezzati, 2023) 2 2 2 Recommended green space / person by World Health Organization: 10-15 m 2 Introduction Problem
Page 03 To design and implement a network of green spaces as a form of urban acupuncture in El Raval To transform existing spaces and introduce new ones to create a healthier, more vibrant, and safer urban environment To show how these small-scale, targeted green interventions can act as catalysts for positive change, enhancing neighbourhood security and resident wellbeing Objective The creation and transformation of green spaces in El Raval, as a form of urban acupuncture, will improve the well-being of its residents by providing more accessible and quality outdoor areas These changes will have a positive impact on the broader context of urban renewal by improving the neighbourhood's security through increased desired social activities on the streets Hypothesis Introduction Objective & hypothesis
Historical context and current situation analysis Study area investigation Theoretical framework Case studies Design process and proposal Conclusion Page 04 Introduction Methodology
Page 05 History & context El Raval Raval = arrabád = suburb on the city’s outskirts “diseased” “in need of cleansing” “a neighbourhood for the working class” “Barrio Chino” “evil” “the city’s arrival neighbourhood” “a neighbourhood servant to the city” “deteriorated and marginalised” “prostitution and drugs” “immigrant neighbourhood”
Page 06 Theoretical framework A design tactic that places emphasis on regeneration at a local level (Cutieru, 2020) Reversible Fast-tracked Cost-efficient Regeneration of neglected and marginalised areas and groups of people (Bugaric , 2018) Taking advantage of underused space in a city to create small, local interventions Seducing people to engage in activities on the streets and create meeting places (Lerner, 2016) Emphasis on bottom-up processes and incremental interventions through feedback cycles with the residents (Bugaric , 2018) Urban acupuncture
Page 07 3 - 30 - 300 rule trees from your window % tree canopy cover in neighbourhood metres away from a park / green space In Barcelona, only 4.7% of population meets the rule (Nieuwenhuijsen et al., 2022) Green spaces have an intrinsic value Mitigate psychological and emotional stress, restore tranquility and foster social cohesion (Lin & Andersson, 2023) Theoretical framework Well-being & security Increase in unrepaired physical deterioration Increased concern for personal safety among residents and properties Decreased participation in maintaining order on the streets Increased delinquency, rowdiness, vandalism and disorderly behaviour among neighbours Further increases in deterioration, further withdrawal from the streets by residents Potential offenders from outside the neighbourhood, attracted by vulnerability move into the area Broken windows theory (Hosseinalizadeh, 2020)
Page 08 Case studies Most renowned vest pocket park in the world with 390 m By focusing on the human scale and creating privacy, even a small place can be transformed into a peaceful green oasis in the middle of the city 2 Reclaim underutilised spaces and convert them into public plazas and parks to foster neighbourhood interaction Relies heavily on public participation Sant Antoni superblock Barcelona Paley Park New York Pavement to Parks San Francisco Promote pedestrianised areas suitable for walking and cycling and foster community life by transforming car spaces into green public zones A multi-use space that caters to different target populations
Page 15 Design proposal Drassanes urban garden Playful activity alternative Restful retreat alternative Community-oriented alternative
Page 16 Design proposal EOI green backyard Playful activity alternative Restful retreat alternative Community-oriented alternative
Page 17 Design proposal Public participation process
Page 18 Design proposal Public participation process Drassanes urban garden EOI green backyard
Page 19 It is not just the quantity and quality of green spaces that can enhance security, but more importantly about involving the community By using Unity as an interactive technology, it enhances the public participation process and encourages community involvement, accountability and transparency More green spaces in the neighbourhood improves residents’ well-being The design proposal offers a strategy to enhance the south of El Raval by generating spaces for relaxation, recreation and social interactions Conclusion
