Buzz
The octagonal building blocks surrounding green spaces are considered a model for many industrial cities.
Eixample is a district in the historic city of Barcelona, Spain, known for its unique urban planning. The district was developed during the expansion of the city in the mid-19th century.
This 7.5 square kilometer area is characterized by straight, long streets and octagonal building blocks, which stand out prominently when viewed from above. This design is attributed to the famous urban planner Ildefons Cerda. From a helicopter, these octagonal blocks appear more rectangular due to their shorter diagonal edges compared to the other four sides.
Cerda's aim was to address urban planning issues by constructing similar blocks, with octagonal shapes to limit height and preserve shaded spaces or gardens within.
This unique design also ensures sufficient sunlight and airflow for the houses, providing just the right amount of ventilation and shelter from Barcelona's intense summer sun. The angled corners of the octagonal blocks make intersections more visible, reducing accidents caused by poor visibility.
Eixample district boasts over 20 such blocks, encompassing residential areas, shops, and community service facilities. Originally, each block was designed to have a communal garden space of at least 800 square meters.
However, during the implementation process, the gardens couldn't retain their original size. Some were converted into parking lots and shops to meet the needs of the residents. Today, these octagonal housing areas are inhabited by affluent families in Barcelona society.
In recent years, the city government of Barcelona has made efforts to reclaim and restore green spaces according to Cerda's original design. Several parks and open areas have been planned and will be implemented soon, transforming Eixample into a model neighborhood for many other industrial cities to emulate.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide - Courtesy of Xzone
MytourFebruary 14th, 2014
