What Is A Superblock?
Superblocks based on the Barcelonan Superilles model promote a human-centered perspective on city planning. The goal of a Superblock is to give residents back control of streets and to restrict cars going through the block. This is done by making it harder to drive straight through the Superblock and imposing a 10 km/h speed limit. The speed limit ensures that residents can enjoy the streets, kids can play, and residents can enjoy a shopping spree from a stand without having to worry about cars. As curbside parking is forbidden pedestrian space also increases greatly allowing the community to organize events and sellers to sell their goods without disturbance. More pedestrian space also means more trees and small parks that provide shade and helps cool down the city. Furthermore walking and bicycling are promoted which decreases emissions and increases air quality. As residents start walking more, they start talking to their neighbors and thus a stronger community is created.
How do you create a Superblock?
Create The Means
There are some prerequisites to be able to create a Superblock. Firstly you need to implement mixed zoning policies and there must be some public transport available. Mixed zoning is vital for Superblock as it allows amenities like stores, restaurants, and services to be close to the residential housing reducing the need for residents to travel long distances. This can be done over time but changing your city's zoning policy is a big step that drastically affects its livability. Usually blocks that consist mostly of low and mid-rise apartment buildings are better for creating a Superblock, due to better accessibility and them being easier to integrate compared to the more complex surrounding infrastructure and higher needs of High-rise apartments.
Reorganzie Traffic And Eliminate Through Traffic
The most important part of creating a Superblock is limiting through traffic by reorganizing traffic. This can be done by introducing more one-way streets close to the perimeter to prevent cars, freight trucks, or any vehicles from being able to cut through the block. Implementing a 10 km/h speed limit in the Superblock slows down the traffic inside and incentivizes walking or bicycling. Parking space is also limited, moved underground, and only primarily available to residents. In the case of the Superilles, nine blocks were combined to create a Superblock and then closed off to through traffic. Speed limits were implemented and parking restricted and roads were opened up to residents. Traffic lights are also changed to prioritize pedestrians.
Mixed traffic spaces.
The next step is creating mixed traffic spaces, which creates an environment with people on the streets forcing cars to drive slowly. Small parks and trees are added to provide shade, thus increasing livability and preventing heat islands. Trees also increase air quality and general welfare and hapiness.
The Results of the Barcelonan Superilles
Increased Pedestrian Space
74%
Pedestrian space was increased from 45% to 74% since the implementation of the Superillas.
Noise Reduction
61dBA
Noise measured before Superillas was 66.50 dBA and after 61dBA.
Reduced Nitrogen Oxide and Carbon Dioxide Emission
-42%
Nitrogen Oxide and Carbon Dioxide Emissions were reduced by 42%.
Reduced Particle Pollution
-38%
Particle pollution was reduced by 38%.
Increased Green Spaces
11%
Barcelona only had 0.6% of land as green spaces before the Superillas and this went up to 11% when the city was transformed.
Passing Traffic in the Superblock
65%+
The goal of a 65% reduction in traffic passing though the Superblock has been achieved and exceeded.
Overview of Benefits The Superblock
Safety
Fewer accidents overall.
Health
Healthier Lifestyles are promoted, more physical activity, better general health, better air quality, less noise pollution and better mental health.
More Green Spaces
More parks and trees provide shading and protect against heat islands. Helps improve happiness and well-being
Community
A closer and stronger Community.
Higher Economic Activity
Healthier people have higher productivity and Superblocks incentivise shopping.
More Pedestrian Space
More space for residents.