City profile

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia in Spain with a population of over 1.7 million within the city limits, extending to over 4.8 million in neighbouring urban districts, making it the EU's 5th most populous urban area. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, and is a significant hub for tourism, fashion, and sports. Barcelona stands out as a leader in smart city initiatives, with advancements in sustainable urban mobility and energy efficiency. A unique feature of the city is its architectural marvels by Antoni Gaudí, including the world-famous Sagrada Família.

Barcelona performs exceptionally well in Urban Management and Governance and Liveability and Loveability.

The city’s urban planning is highlighted by its innovative approach to public spaces, flood control and transportation. Initiatives like the superblock concept, which aims to minimize traffic in residential areas, enhances the quality of urban life by prioritizing pedestrian spaces and reducing pollution.

However, Barcelona faces challenges in Investor Attractiveness and Assets and Infrastructure. Economic growth in Barcelona has been somewhat tempered by political uncertainties and the economic policies of recent years. The city may also require further investment in its digital technology infrastructure.

Insight

Barcelona is a great city to look towards for best practices in natural hazard and climate risk management. The flood risk and water quality of the Besòs river have been revolutionised by local flood interventions, basin-wide monitoring, and wetland creation. With one in four large cities facing water stress, and water demand projected to increase by 55% by 2050, city leaders and developers must act now to meet future needs. Cities Alive: Water for People by Arup presents an economic pathway of addressing the challenges of population growth and climate change in our cities. To move towards a more sustainable future, it is critical that cities adapt in order to address these contemporary challenges.
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