Guest Lecture: Francesc Magrinyà, Barcelona Resilience & The “Superblocks” Evolution Concept

Francesc Magrinyà Torner’s guest lecture for the SES-631 Sustainable Communities

course will examine the evolution of the resilient urban design approach of creating

“superblocks” in Barcelona. Francesc Magrinyà Torner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) and Former Director of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area Strategic Planning Department during Major Ada Colau’s tenure. Francesc and SES Visiting Assitant Professor Rafael De Balanzo Joue are collaborating on urban resilience research projects, and will discuss their current Barcelona Superblocks project. The superblock concept seeks to improve citizens’ access to green spaces, prioritize active travel, reduce motor vehicle traffic, and improve citizens’ health by improving environmental quality and promoting improving physical activity in daily commuting. (e.g., traffic injuries, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases), mental (e.g., depression and anxiety), and social well-being.