Poblenou Superblock, Barcelona’s tactical first test

This is where Barcelona’s modern superblock story really became visible. The Poblenou Superblock was implemented in 2016 as the city’s first major pilot to reclaim street space from cars and give it back to walking, cycling, play and neighbourhood life. The basic idea was simple: through-traffic stays on the surrounding main streets, while cars inside the superblock are slowed down and forced to turn. The interior streets stop working as shortcuts, and the space gained can be used for benches, play areas, planting and local activity. What makes Poblenou interesting today is that it still feel…