The Eixample is the district with the highest levels of air and noise pollution in Barcelona, as well as the greatest deficit of green spaces. The application of the Superilles model entails a global reorganisation of mobility, freeing one in every three streets from through traffic and transforming them into green axes. This creates a network of 21 green axes and 21 squares, forming an environmental and social infrastructure that improves comfort, health, and the presence of greenery in a balanced way across the area.
Between 2020 and 2023, the first phase was implemented, including sections of four streets and four new squares, one at the intersection with Enric Granados Street. This transformation covered a total surface of 110,000 m², with 4.65 km of green axes and 8,000 m² of new squares. Pedestrian space increased by 58,000 m², permeable surfaces rose from 1% to 15%, urban greenery grew by 11,000 m², and 400 new trees were planted. Replacing asphalt and expanding shaded areas have reduced surface temperatures by up to 5 °C in summer.
The intersection of Consell de Cent and Enric Granados stands out for its distinctive character. It lies at the midpoint of a botanical route linking Letamendi Square, with its iconic Washingtonia palms, to the historic gardens of the University of Barcelona, which contain over 150 plant species and some of the city’s oldest trees. The site also holds significant cultural and architectural value, framed by the Conciliar Seminary and the University’s historic building. The proposal seeks to enhance both botanical and architectural heritage through vegetation that strengthens the canopy and enriches the urban landscape. The junction is transformed into a garden, returning the space to people and characterised by an “explosion of greenery”.
The landscape design takes into account the existing canopy, replacing trees in poor condition and expanding vegetation with new arboreal, herbaceous, and shrub species suited to current and future climatic conditions. Biodiversity, low maintenance, and urban functionality are prioritised. The garden is designed to reveal the passing of the seasons: many herbaceous plants disappear in winter and bloom again in spring or summer, creating a changing landscape. Deciduous and evergreen species are combined to ensure structural continuity throughout the year.
The first proposed garden is the botanical garden, addressing global biodiversity loss by introducing species that interact with insects and small invertebrates. A bug hotel is included as a focal point for urban fauna. Within the inner area of Jardí Illa, a Mediterranean garden of low maintenance and native flora is created, resilient to local climate conditions. Species such as Erica arborea, Salvia and Santolina rosmarinifolia attract pollinators and recreate natural habitats that strengthen the local ecosystem.
Lastly, the rain garden collects runoff and rainfall to recharge the aquifer. It features species typical of humid zones, helping to relieve existing drainage networks and restore the subsoil. This area serves as a pilot project for urban water filtration and is located along the outer parts of the square, with species adapted to partial shade. The SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) applied include tree pits, bioretention strips, floodable flowerbeds, and infiltration tanks.
Data
Developer: BIMSA, Barcelona de Infraestructuras Municipales, SA
Author: LANDLAB laboratorio de paisajes
Other designers involved in the design of landscape: S.L.P + GPO Ingeniería y Arquitectura, S.L.U
Project location: 41.388129, 2.1619165
Year completed: 2023
Photo credits: Jordi Otix and LANDLAB
Manufacturer of urban or play equipment (optional): Urbidermis
