Barcelona's distinctive grid street network, a global symbol of urban planning, was not merely a geometric arrangement but a solution to 19th-century overpopulation challenges.

Deciphering Barcelona's grid plan. Video: *Versed*

Like many ancient cities, Barcelona's initial streets were haphazardly arranged, requiring residents to navigate on their own. The city was enclosed by walls until the 19th century, when its population grew rapidly, exceeding the ancient boundaries. At that time, Barcelona's population density was double that of Paris.

Faced with severe overcrowding and increasingly unsanitary living conditions, architect Ildefons Cerda proposed merging the old city of Barcelona with several surrounding small towns and villages.

To design the city's expansion area, known as Eixample in Catalan, Cerda meticulously studied how residents lived within their urban environment. He considered factors such as fresh air, green spaces, transportation, and proximity to markets. This approach was revolutionary then, and many initially ridiculed Cerda's proposal.

Following his thorough research of the city and its inhabitants, Cerda proposed constructing the Eixample district as a grid of equal-sized blocks. Long, wide streets intersected these blocks, facilitating traffic flow and navigation. Additionally, each block was designed in an octagonal shape with chamfered corners.

Barcelona from above. Photo: *Westend 61*

According to Cerda, this detail enhanced air circulation on the streets, expanded visibility at corners, and allowed streetcars to turn easily at intersections. The blocks were also oriented along a northwest-southeast axis to ensure every household received sufficient natural light daily.

Another characteristic of Cerda's design was the inclusion of green spaces within each block. These gardens offered recreational areas for residents and provided outdoor enjoyment, separated from the streets. While many of these internal courtyards were later used for other construction purposes, the Barcelona city council is now re-emphasizing Cerda's focus on green spaces.

The Barcelona city council plans to create "superblocks"—groups of 9 existing blocks where motorized traffic will be restricted to prioritize pedestrian areas and green spaces. This initiative is important in Barcelona, where approximately 3,500 early deaths are recorded annually due to air pollution.

Hoai Anh (According to *Versed*, *Lonely Planet*)